Antique Italian Grand Tour Micro Mosaic Paperweight, Doves of Pliny Micromosaic

Antique Italian Grand Tour Micro Mosaic Paperweight, Doves of Pliny Micromosaic

A superb little mid-19th century Victorian era Grand Tour souvenir, no doubt, this exquisite micromosaic depiction of the famed doves of Pliny, complete with sand-sized colored glass tesserae showing off the roundness of the bowl, the iridescent coloration of the doves, the coolness of the fountain's water. Worked into a basin of black marble or slate, the piece is a remarkably fine example of this amazing art, and would serve well as your own souvenir of Italy and the unparalleled history of art found therein. We're just sending another shipment of our best old micromosiacs to dealers in Italy, who will mark them double or triple our price and offer them to this years' travelers. We know this because I've seen our items in the shops in Rome - you know the ones just off the Piazza Navona and thereabouts, and the one flanking the Arno in Florence, near the Ponte Vecchio. Perhaps you know exactly where I mean, yes? I always drop in to see how high our items have been marked up, but we do also sell to the sophisticated Italian collectors. Come to us for your micromosaic souvenirs, and save all that extra money for your airfare or to extend your stay in Italy!

Very good condition for age and type, the micromosaic is in fine form, not a single tesserae out of place or raised, no damage there. There are 2 notable chips and then a little rim roughness that hardly rises to the term 'chip', but bears mention. You can feel it more than you'll notice it in display in your collection. And after all, none of us are going to get to be 160 years old without a few age spots and flaws, are we. A wonderful and rare little size, you'll love this one.

Item ID: 112mmplinth

$595 $506 USD SOLD