Temple of Concord Micro Mosaic Hardstone Box

An octagonal box crafted from Yamsk Jasper, with each side featuring two layers of green and brown agate, set in a silver gilt mount. The front is adorned with a cameo of Achilles, his helmet embellished with a dragon motif. weight: 50.49 g dimensions: 2 x 6 x 3.8 cm The Yamsk Jasper cameo snuff box, depicting Achilles in profile on the lid, is attributed to the Yekaterinburg Russian Imperial Lapidary, established in 1751, known for producing exquisite hardstone objects, many now part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection. The Russian Imperial Cabinet, responsible for overseeing Imperial family properties, managed lapidary production using precious stones from the Ural Mountains. The craftsmanship, material, and dimensions of the snuff box, along with its similarity to other Hermitage pieces, suggest it likely originated from the Yekaterinburg workshop. It was later fitted with 19th-century Russian snuff box components. The cameo likely draws inspiration from a model created by the renowned gem engravers Charles and William Brown, who also worked for Catherine the Great. A good visual comparison is offered by a modern cameo brooch...

An oval micro mosaic of a dog with a blue background in an 18 carat gold border, with a silver setting which can be either a brooch or a stand, Rome, circa 1800. weight: 9.4 g dimen...

An Italian green granite box, with a micromosaic mounted in a two-color gold chased border. Depicted is a goldfinch (carduelis carduelis) on a branch with berries and overlooking the Mediterranean. The scene is surrounded by a millefiori border. By Giacomo Raffaelli...

A silver gilt Art Deco box, decorated with violet enamel that imitates an amethyst quartz, import marks for Glasgow. weight: 119.9 grams