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Formed from malachite, silver, and silver-gilt, this beautiful objet d’art represents a miniature mandolin, raised on a separate stand.
The front face of the mandolin is inset with veined malachite, the malachite mounted with delicate silver-gilt elements: the tail piece, bridge, and border of the sound hole are all formed from ornate, scrolling silver-gilt. The neck of the mandolin—comprising its fingerboard, frets, and head—is likewise cast from silver and delicately gilt. The gilding throughout is parcelled occasionally: the surface of the head, for instance, includes moments of ungilt silver. The reverse of the bowled body of the mandolin is ornately adorned: raised ribs and motifs, set above a stippled silver surface, are parcel gilt, accenting their scrolling, arabesque forms.
The mandolin is supported by a stand, formed of a square malachite base, the corners canted, on top of which sits a silver-gilt loop support, into which the belly of the mandolin rests.
The neck of the mandolin is stamped with ‘800’, signifying 80% silver, and an indistinct maker’s mark.
Late 19th Century
Malachite, Silver, Silver-gilt
15 cm / 5.9 inches
8 cm / 3.1 inches
6 cm / 2.4 inches
Reference:
16338
This item qualifies for free international shipping, inclusive of professional packing and insurance. Terms and conditions apply.