{"product_id":"18th-century-italian-silver-filigree-and-enamel-casket","title":"18th Century Italian Silver Filigree and Enamel Casket","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e18th Century Italian Silver Filigree Miniature Casket with Painted Enamel \u0026amp; Red Stones\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAn exquisite and wonderfully intricate \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e18th-century Italian miniature silver filigree casket\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e, a remarkable little object displaying the extraordinary skill of the silversmith and enameller.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe rectangular casket is constructed almost entirely from exceptionally delicate \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eopenwork silver filigree\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e, worked into scrolling and lattice designs. The domed hinged lid is similarly elaborately worked and the casket stands upon four charming decorative feet. A shaped silver carrying handle completes the miniature chest-like form.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eParticularly beautiful are the \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ehand-painted enamel plaques\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e set into the sides. One depicts a colourful basket overflowing with flowers and fruit, while another portrays a classically dressed figure holding a flower and basket against a landscape background. Their jewel-like colours provide a wonderful contrast to the softly aged silver.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe casket is further embellished with \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003edeep red faceted stones\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e, traditionally described as rubies, individually set around the body, lid and handle. Their rich crimson colour adds another layer of opulence to this already highly decorative piece. The stones have not been independently gemologically tested and are therefore described as ruby-set\/traditionally identified as rubies rather than guaranteed as natural gemstones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe hinged lid opens to reveal further intricate pierced and lattice silverwork within, demonstrating that considerable attention was lavished upon every part of the object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eSmall precious caskets such as this were intended for treasured personal possessions and might have been used for jewellery, keepsakes or other tiny valuables. Today, it is a particularly charming example of the highly decorative Italian objets de vertu produced for wealthy European patrons during the 18th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe silver has developed a beautiful natural patina consistent with its considerable age, enhancing rather than detracting from the wonderfully intricate filigree work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 18th century\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Italy\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Silver filigree, hand-painted enamel and red faceted stones traditionally described as rubies\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eForm:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Miniature casket \/ jewellery or keepsake box\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Openwork filigree, latticework, painted enamel plaques and gemstone-set details\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Antique condition with wear and patination commensurate with age. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eA \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003erare, romantic and highly decorative little treasure\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e, and a beautiful example of the type of precious miniature object that would have been cherished for generations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeritage House – History in Your Home\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heritage House Cotswolds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59598533067077,"sku":null,"price":365.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1077\/2139\/2453\/files\/IMG_3019.jpg?v=1791294045","url":"https:\/\/heritagehousecotswolds.com\/products\/18th-century-italian-silver-filigree-and-enamel-casket","provider":"Heritage House Cotswolds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}