This beautiful inkstand is inset with beautiful ‘lava cameos’ and is a superb example of the type of tourist trinket purchased by young Grand Tourists during the 18th and 19th centuries.
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This fine inkstand is crafted from rich green marble with gilt metal accents. The inkstand features a bulbous, gadrooned body containing gilt metal encompassed inkwells and penholders. The removeable lid is inset with six so-called lava cameos: profile relief busts in the classical style, which are actually carved from various limestones from the region of Pompeii and not lava: Italian vendors called such cameos ‘lava cameos’ in order to profit from the romance of Pompeii and sell their wares to Grand Tourists.
Purchased by the previous owner from Gerard Conte Antiquaire, Paris in May 2000
Reference:
9424a
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