Search 0
74,410  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 246 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
GIFTSNEW
246 ITEMS ADDED TODAY
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1156121
FOR SALE
£675
Email Phone
Save
Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century
For sale by Regent Antiques
for sale €790     $857
£675
Regent Antiques

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2016
Browse dealers 666 items
  • About Us
    We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.
  • Trade Associations
    Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
Relevant Links
Id #SA1156121
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century

19th century
For Sale by Regent Antiques
Description

This is a wonderful Derbyshire Ashford pietra dura obelisk, inlaid with lillies, circa 1880 in date.

The obelisk is beautifully  inlaid with Pietra Dura decoration of white flowers and malachite leaves.

This delightful object will look beautiful on display in any room in  your home.

Provenance: 

The Collection of Sir Jeremy Lever.

Condition:

In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 48 cm x Width 18 cm x Depth 18 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 7 inches x Width 7 inches x Depth 7 inches

Pietra dura is a term for the inlay technique of using cut and fitted, highly polished coloured stones to create images. It is considered a decorative art.

Pietre dure is an Italian plural meaning "hard rocks" or hardstones; the singular pietra dura is also encountered in Italian. In Italian, but not in English, the term embraces all gem engraving and hardstone carving, which is the artistic carving of three-dimensional objects in semi-precious stone, normally from a single piece, for example in Chinese jade.

The traditional convention in English has been to use the singular pietra dura just to denote multi-colored inlay work. However, in recent years there has been a trend to use pietre dure as a term for the same thing, but not for all of the techniques it covers, in Italian.

But the title of a 2008 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Art of the Royal Court: Treasures in Pietre Dure from the Palaces of Europe used the full Italian sense of the term, probably because they thought that it had greater brand recognition. The material on the website speaks of objects such as a vase in lapis lazuli as being examples of "hardstone carving (pietre dure)"

The Victoria & Albert Museum in London uses both versions on its website, but uses pietra dura. "A method of inlaying coloured marbles or semi-precious stones into a stone base, often in geometric or flower patterns...."

Giovanni Montelatici (1864-1930) was an Italian Florentine artist whose brilliant work has been distributed across the world by tourists and collectors. Owners of Giovanni's work included Donald Trump.

Our reference: 09382a

Physical Dimensions
Height
48cm (18.90")
Width
18cm (7.09")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this Ashford Pietra Dura Obelisk to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1156121
Dealers Internal Reference
09382a
Description
This is a wonderful Derbyshire Ashford pietra dura obelisk, inlaid with lillies, circa 1880 in date.
“
The obelisk is beautifully  inlaid with Pietra Dura decoration of white flowers and malachite leaves.
Regent Antiques
fig 1. A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base.
fig 1. Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century

This delightful object will look beautiful on display in any room in  your home.

Provenance: 

The Collection of Sir Jeremy Lever.

Condition:

In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

fig 2. A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base.
fig 2. Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century

Height 48 cm x Width 18 cm x Depth 18 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 7 inches x Width 7 inches x Depth 7 inches

Pietra dura is a term for the inlay technique of using cut and fitted, highly polished coloured stones to create images. It is considered a decorative art.

fig 3. A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base.
fig 3. Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century

Pietre dure is an Italian plural meaning "hard rocks" or hardstones; the singular pietra dura is also encountered in Italian. In Italian, but not in English, the term embraces all gem engraving and hardstone carving, which is the artistic carving of three-dimensional objects in semi-precious stone, normally from a single piece, for example in Chinese jade.

fig 4. A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base.
fig 4. Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century

The traditional convention in English has been to use the singular pietra dura just to denote multi-colored inlay work. However, in recent years there has been a trend to use pietre dure as a term for the same thing, but not for all of the techniques it covers, in Italian.

fig 5. A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base.
fig 5. Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century

But the title of a 2008 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Art of the Royal Court: Treasures in Pietre Dure from the Palaces of Europe used the full Italian sense of the term, probably because they thought that it had greater brand recognition. The material on the website speaks of objects such as a vase in lapis lazuli as being examples of "hardstone carving (pietre dure)"

fig 6. A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base.
fig 6. Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century

The Victoria & Albert Museum in London uses both versions on its website, but uses pietra dura. "A method of inlaying coloured marbles or semi-precious stones into a stone base, often in geometric or flower patterns...."

Giovanni Montelatici (1864-1930) was an Italian Florentine artist whose brilliant work has been distributed across the world by tourists and collectors. Owners of Giovanni's work included Donald Trump.

Our reference: 09382a

Height
48cm (18.90")
Width
18cm (7.09")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated this Ashford Pietra Dura Obelisk to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1156121
Dealers Internal Ref
09382a
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2016

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Regent Antiques Profile Page

Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base.
1 / 7
Archive I A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base.

Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century

Archive II A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base. View II
Archive III A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base. View III
Archive IV A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base. View IV
Archive V A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base. View V
Archive VI A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base. View VI
Archive VII A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Regent Antiques

Regent Antiques
Telephone 020 8809 9605 or 020 8802 3900
Location
Manor Warehouse
318 Green Lanes
London
N4 1BX
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/regentantiques
Verified Since Sep 2016
Items For Sale 666
Items Sold 2,656
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: Manor Warehouse, 318 Green Lanes, London, N4 1BX, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/regentantiques
Verified
Sep 2016
For Sale
666
Sold
2,656
A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base.
Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century
Ref: SA1156121
A nineteenth-century Victorian black marble obelisk featuring floral pietra dura stone inlay, set upon a stepped square wooden base.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Obelisk
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialAshford Black Marble, Pietra Dura Inlay, Wood
  • ColourBlack
  • MotifsPietra dura floral inlay, Stepped square base, Tapered obelisk form
  • SizeH 48 cm (19 in) x W 18 cm (7 in) x D 18 cm (7 in)

This Victorian decorative obelisk originates from the 19th century, specifically around 1880, and takes the form of a tapered pillar with a pyramidal apex. Constructed from black Ashford marble, the piece features an inlaid pietra dura decoration composed of white flowers and green malachite leaves, alongside a stepped square black marble section and a stepped square wooden base. The black marble exhibits a polished dark finish, contrasting with the pale petals and foliage of the stone inlay. The object measures 48 cm high, 18 cm wide, and 18 cm deep. Suitable for display in a gentleman's library or on a mantelpiece, the obelisk brings period character to a tabletop or display surface in a home today. The assembly rests on multiple tiered plinths, combining a dark stone profile with a warm brown wooden foundation underneath. The vertical shaft tapers upward to a sharp point, carrying the botanical motif continuously along one face from the lower square block up the tall column.

FAQs

Ashford pietra dura refers to decorative stone inlay crafted in Derbyshire, England, primarily during the nineteenth century. Artisans used dark local limestone as a base and inlaid carved semi-precious stones to form botanical designs.

Victorian obelisks of this type were constructed using Ashford black marble, local limestones, and imported minerals such as malachite, fluorite, shell, and white marble for the inlaid floral panels.

Authentic pieces exhibit precise hand-cut stone inlay flush with the polished black surface. Older examples feature natural surface patination, minor stepped base construction, and dark Derbyshire limestone bases rather than modern synthetic composites.

A marble obelisk can be placed on a fireplace mantelpiece, styled alongside books on a shelf, or positioned as a focal ornament on an entryway console table.

Dust the surface regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Avoid acidic chemicals, abrasives, or harsh liquids, and apply a neutral microcrystalline wax occasionally to protect the polished polish.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories