Period: 19th century

19th century Casket Ebony wood decorated with inlays of polychrome hard stones and gilded bronzes, H 20 x W 29.5 x D 25.5 The casket, made in the 19th century, is a refined example of cabinet making and hard stone inlay. It is distinguished by its geometric structure and the use of precious materials, enriched by decorative elements in gilded bronze. The ebony wood structure gives elegance and visual depth to the structure; arranged in geometric panels according to the Florentine mosaic technique are different types of polychrome hard stones. Decorative elements at the corners and gilded bronze appliques complete the decoration with elegance and preciousness. Among the hard stones present, lapis lazuli, of intense blue color, is visible in hexagonal form on the side panels. Amethyst, with its characteristic violet hue and white veins, is also used in the upper part of the lid. Red and green jasper is present as a central inlay on the lid. In the side decorative panels, black and white granite is used as a background, while onyx and agate, with chromatic effects that vary from brown to gray, are set in the side motifs. The casket falls within the tradition of Florentine mosaic, an art developed in Florence starting from the Renaissance and still highly appreciated in the 19th century. This technique consisted of cutting and setting hard stones to obtain pictorial and decorative effects, a specialty of Florentine workshops, where the working of hard stones had a great tradition. Similar collector's items were particularly appreciated and sought after by Grand Tour travelers, who loved to bring back to their homes memories linked to the trip spent among the wonders of art.