Antique Italian Grand Tour Micro Mosaic Jewelry Box - Roman Micromosaic

Rome, 19th century

Museum quality antique Italian Grand Tour souvenir micromosaic jewelry box.

This octagonal gilt bronze jewelry box is a treasure from the fine jewelry boutique of E. Tombini, originally located on the upscale Via Condotti in Rome.

The sides are enameled with a continuous foliate and floral frieze, but the focal point of this piece is the the lid, which is most elegantly set with an exquisite Roman micromosaic depicting the Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Square).

The silk lining is original, and is gold embossed with the retailer's address: E. Tombini Roma, PZA di Spagna, Via Dei Condotti A2. Tombini was known to have had a fine assortment of marbles and jewelry alike, but was most famous for his beautiful settings of both cameo portraits and mosaics.

A similar jewelry box is pictured on page 110 of Italian master mosaicist Roberto Grieco's definitive work, Micromosaici Romani.

This micromosaic jewelry box is in excellent condition. The bottom of the box shows some minor indentation, and a tiny foot has been replaced. The embossed signature is rubbed consistent with age. The micromosaic plaque is in excellent condition, and was likely created at the Vatican Mosaic Workshop. Micromosaic boxes of this quality are increasingly rare and highly desirable. This would be a fine museum quality item to add to any collection.

Measurements: Diameter 2 in. Height 1 1/2 in. Depth (including clasp and hinge) 2 1/4 in.

The additional items in the last photograph are for display only and are not included.

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