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Micromosaic and Pietre Dure Grand Tour Casket
Micromosaic and Pietre Dure Grand Tour Casket
Micromosaic and Pietre Dure Grand Tour Casket
Micromosaic and Pietre Dure Grand Tour Casket
Micromosaic and Pietre Dure Grand Tour Casket
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Micromosaic and Pietre Dure Grand Tour Casket

  • This incredible Grand Tour casket is adorned with intricate micromosaic plaques and pietre dure
  • Five plaques on the lid depict iconic Roman ruins in great detail
  • Pietre dure in relief is executed with vibrant and masterfully carved hardstones
  • Beautifully chiseled doré bronze mounts frame this splendid objet d'art
  • Get complete item description here
$34,500
Item No. 30-7902

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Description
The time-honored decorative techniques of pietre dure and micromosaic are combined in this rare and exceptionally-crafted Grand Tour casket. Serving as a memento of this once-requisite rite of passage for young gentlemen of the upper class, this large ebonized wood casket features five resplendent micromosaic plaques on the lid, each recreating some of the most historic monuments of ancient Rome, including the Temple of Vespasian, the Pantheon and the Colosseum, with outstanding intricacy. Bursting forth with. . .
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The time-honored decorative techniques of pietre dure and micromosaic are combined in this rare and exceptionally-crafted Grand Tour casket. Serving as a memento of this once-requisite rite of passage for young gentlemen of the upper class, this large ebonized wood casket features five resplendent micromosaic plaques on the lid, each recreating some of the most historic monuments of ancient Rome, including the Temple of Vespasian, the Pantheon and the Colosseum, with outstanding intricacy. Bursting forth with color and incredible artistry is the hardstone pietre dure relief work depicting ribbon-tied boughs of lush fruit and leaves. Highlighting this assemblage of creative skill are wonderfully chiseled gilt bronze mounts that draw the eye to the magnificent workmanship imparted upon this exquisite objet d'art.

Wealthy aristocrats making their Grand Tour through Italy were very fond of pietre dure and micromosaic works. These techniques were expensive, requiring not only precious materials but highly skilled craftsmen. Authentic hardstone pietre dure and micromosaic works such as this are very rare and were available only to the wealthiest European tourists and to wealthy Italian royals. The techniques were rarely applied to a single work simultaneously, as demonstrated by this casket, making it an incredible specimen of Italian decorative art.

Circa 1850

8 7/8" wide x 7 5/16" deep x 5 3/4" high
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Micromosaic and Pietre Dure Grand Tour Casket
Period: 19th Century
Type: Micromosaics
Depth: 7.31 in. (18.58 cm)
Width: 8.88 in. (22.54 cm)
Height: 5.75 in. (14.61 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.