Description

C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved serpentine marble ink-stand set with carved lava cameos. A South Italian , Neapolitan, two-piece carved 'Prato verde' or Serpentina Moschinata , marble ink-stand with gadrooned body and sectioned lid set with oval carved coloured lava profile cameos of classical and Renaissance Italian philosophers and poets framed in brass mounts. The central raised knop handle also inset with a brass-framed carved circular cameo . The inside of the top contains a glazed and brass-framed period gouache/body watercolour study depicting the Bay of Naples and the erupting volcanic Mount Vesuvius. The outer ring retains the original hand- scripted paper labels identifying 6 of the cameo profiles such as "Aristotle", "Petrarch", "Dante" etc.
The base section fitted with 2 glass ink-wells with brass rims and 2 pen/quill-holders (1 brass ferrule missing).
The different lava rock cameos having obtained their individual colours from the oxidisation and crytallised nature of the various cooled minerals from the volcanic eruption and lava flow.
This type of ink-stand was produced in the Naples area of Italy during the mid C19th as souvenirs for tourists visiting the historic sites and sights of the European 'Grand Tour'.
In good original condition , with one historic repaired crack to the lid.
(For a similar example see Christies Sale 7889 /Lot 272 9/12/2010 �3375)
H 5"
W 6"
D 6"
Italy , Naples c.1870
Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .
Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .
Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .
All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees&Sons .
If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance .
www.leesantiquesworcester.com.
Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218
Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.
Internal Ref: ML 1605