ANTIQUE 19thC AUSTRIAN SOLID SILVER, ENAMEL & GEM SET FIGURAL AGATE DISH c.1880
19th Century Austrian Renaissance revival Silver enamelled and gem-set figural agate dish, the oval agate bowl supported by an oval domed foot, set with square emeralds and beautifully champleve' enamelled with a multicolored scrolling foliage and flowers, the silver rim is engraved and applied with vine leaves set with old-cut emeralds, the front set with natural pearls imitating grapes, the opposite side applied with a nude Venus eating grapes and resting on a tiger's pelt, the Venus' loincloth is profusely set with rubies.
REFERENCE NUMBER: A2759
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century Austrian Renaissance revival Solid Silver enamelled and gem-set figural agate dish, the oval agate bowl supported by an oval domed foot, set with square emeralds and beautifully champleve' enamelled with a multicolored scrolling foliage and flowers, the silver rim is engraved and applied with vine leaves set with old-cut emeralds, the front set with natural pearls imitating grapes, the opposite side applied with a nude Venus eating grapes and resting on a tiger's pelt, the Venus' loincloth is profusely set with rubies. The piece is in excellent condition, very decorative and precious.
This type of Renaissance revival pieces became very popular in Europe in the late 19th Century - famous examples that closely remind this piece can be found in the repertory of the French silversmith Jean-Valentin Morel (please follow this link) and fine Austrian jewellers and silversmiths such as Hermann Ratzerdorfer (please follow this link) and Hermann Boehm (please follow this link).
The piece is probably Austrian - such precious gem-set pieces are topically Viennese - and closely reminds the works by Ratzersdorfer. As often the case for such objects the silver is not Hallmarked but acid tested shows a 900+ standard, it probably date to year 1870-1900.
CONDITION
In Great condition - No damage.
SIZE
Length: 10.3cm
Width: 13.5 x 11cm
Weight: 340g
