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Engraved Rock Crystal and Gilt Bronze Casket with Silver Relief Base.
$33,722.54
£24,750
€28,742.33
CA$46,423.30
A$50,749.76
CHF 26,848.91
MX$607,302.52
NOK 341,613.82
SEK 312,712.89
DKK 214,687.43
About the Item
Engraved Rock Crystal and Gilt Bronze Casket with Silver Relief Base.
Attributed to the workshop of Giovanni Battista Metellino (active Milan, d. circa 1724).
Milan, late 17th century.
Measurements: 22.5 × 14 × 13.5 cm.
A rectangular casket composed of finely bevelled panels of natural rock crystal, each intricately engraved with scenes of pastoral and hunting life. The decoration includes trees, towers, bridges, rivers with boats, figures, birds, and insects, while the lid displays a flight of birds amid sprays of foliage.
The panels are mounted within a gilt bronze framework of elegant rectangular section, with flower-head studs at the corners and scrolled Baroque feet. The lid opens to reveal a gilt bronze base, originally designed to accommodate hardstone specimens, now replaced — likely during the 19th century — by repoussé silver panels. These silver reliefs are worked with Baroque scrolls and strapwork surrounding a central oval bearing a coronet and monogram MM, framed by the original ormolu mounts. The combination of engraved crystal and gilded structure produces a luminous interplay of light characteristic of Milanese lapidary work of the highest quality.
One small gilt-bronze corner flower mount is missing on the right-hand side, and there is a minor chip to the upper right of the front rock crystal panel, as well as a further chip to the upper right of the rock crystal panel on the left-hand side.
This casket is attributable to the workshop of Giovanni Battista Metellino, the foremost Milanese lapidary of the late seventeenth century. His works are characterised by a restrained elegance and technical mastery, focusing on the transparency of the crystal enlivened by delicate engraving — an approach reflecting the refinement of Lombard Baroque taste. The figural and natural motifs, often including birds and foliage, are hallmarks of his style and demonstrate both artistic and material sophistication.
Provenance: Private collection.
- Period:Early 18th Century
- Date of Manufacture:18th century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4435228045492
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