Late C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' Souvenir Marble Micro-mosaic Inlaid Paper-weight "The Doves of Pliny".

Late C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir marble micro-mosaic inlaid paper-weight "The Doves of Pliny".

Cartouche shaped black marble ,or Belgo Nero , paperweight with intricate micro-mosaic coloured glass inlay . The design of the doves , known as the 'Capitoline Doves' or 'Doves of Pliny', comes from a Roman floor mosaic discovered in 1737 at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli , which in turn is believed to be a copy of a lost Ancient Greek mosaic at Pegamon . The original is described by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History , completed in 77 AD.

The term 'micro-mosaic' is used to describe mosaics made of the smallest pieces of glass. Glass micro-mosaic technique developed in the C18th in the Vatican workshops , and later flourished as an industry in Rome making pieces such as this as expensive tourist momentoes.

Minor losses to a small area of one dove , but overall good original condition . Minor chip to edge of 'waisted' black marble body .

Good strong original colours.

H 4"

W 6"

D 0.75"

Italy c.1870

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

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Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

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If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

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Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218

Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.