Antique agate and silver-gilt tazza with semi-precious stones

This miniature tazza is ornately decorated, and would make a superb addition to an interior space.

The piece combines a silver-gilt support with a rich, red agate bowl. Of oval shape, the agate dish is ribbed with a fluted design. The bowl sits within a silver-gilt openwork support, that alternates sculpted putti with scrolling cartouches inset with garnets and turquoise opals. The underside of the bowl’s support is engraved with foliate designs.

The bowl sits atop a free-standing support, in the form of a kneeling figure who holds the bowl above their head. The figure is placed on an oval silver-gilt base, and is surrounded by a pierced scrollwork fence decorated with further cherubim and precious stones.

The lobed quatrefoil base is similarly decorated with opals and garnets, as well as with repoussé foliate motifs. The composition stands on four winged-putti feet.

With incredible detail even on a miniature scale, this gemstone-filled piece would be a luxurious feature within any collection of antiques.