Description

C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved serpentine marble ink-stand set with carved lava cameo profiles.
A southern Italian, Neapolitan, two-piece carved 'Prato verde' or Serpentina Moschinata , marble inkstand with gadrooned or ribbed base and sectioned lid set with oval carved coloured lava cameos of classical and Renaissance Italian philosophers ,poets and luminaries framed in brass mounts. The central raised knop handle also inset with a lava cameo profile apparently of Bacchus, God of wine .
The base section with apertures and brass ferrules for inkwells and quills , some deficient .
The different lava rock cameos having obtained their individual colours from the oxidisation and crystallised nature of the various cooled minerals from the volcanic action and eruption and lava flow. These particular examples having been gleaned from the site of Mount Vesuvius in the Bay of Naples.
This type of inkstand was produced in the Naples area during the mid to late C19th as souvenirs for wealthy tourists visiting the historic sites and sights of the European 'Grand Tour'.
In original condition, with some minor cracks and repairs .
(For a similar example see Christies London Sale 7889/Lot 272 09/12/2010
�3375)
H 4"
W 5"
D 5"
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 1702