DATE: Victorian, c.1860

A fantastic antique pietra dura panel, set into gorgeous rococo style frame. Pietra Dura-  precisely cut hardstones with a carefully chosen colour palette which are arranged to form a pattern or image, typically set within a panel of black marble or onyx, and then polished and buffed to a high shine. The stone inlay work is so finely crafted, that it often looks like a painting. This quality usually makes pietra dura more valuable than other mosaic work.

The main event, a dancing maiden wearing a multi-coloured dress, with colours of orange, blue, green and so on,  each section using a different agate/hardstone. With coral beads round her neck with matching earrings and finely worked sandals at her feet. It amazes me, the skill of the artisans who made quality examples like this, knowing they're comprised of cut stone inlays. The frame is crafted in gilt, and it dates from the Victorian period, circa 1860. 

STONES 

Various hardstones and agates

MEASUREMENTS 

Frame: 11.4 x 8.2 inches 

Panel: 6.5 x 3.3 inches 

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as gilt  

CONDITION 

 Very good, panel in great condition. Light wear to the frame