An unusual and most interesting mid/late Victorian Aesthetic period revolving CENTREPIECE or TAZZA in lovely original condition. Beautifully gilded and with silvered rope-twist inner borders, this is finely engraved with sprays of flowers with a further central motif surrounded by a border of engravecd laurel leaves. Around the edge are nine individual moths, each hand-carved from finely-figured agate of different colours, whilst it is supported on a gilded shallow stemmed base allowing the tazza to be revolved at will. An impressive eye-catching centrepiece, which may be unique? 33cms diameter. circa 1875-1885.* The Aesthetic movement (“Art for Art’s Sake”) and the pursuit of beauty, lasted about 40 years from 1860-1900. It emerged largely as a reaction against industrialisation advocating beauty in art, design and daily life. Influences included Japanese art; German romanticism and the pre-Raphaelites. ** This impressive Tazza is not on view in the shop; for further details...