Fine C19th Italian Marble 'Grand Tour' Souvenir Paperweight with Inset Micro-mosaic Panel.

Fine C19th Italian marble 'Grand Tour' souvenir paperweight with inset micro-mosaic panel .

Cartouche-shaped Nero Belgio black marble paperweight with superb inlaid central oval coloured micro-mosaic panel depicting St.Peters Square, Rome , Italy .

The micro-mosaic panel beautifully executed and showing detailed architectural features of St.Peters Square and the Basilica. The detail showing figures in the square visiting the iconic sights , featuring the ancient Egyptian obelisk to the centre of the piazza , Bernini's collonades and fountains. The iconic dome and facade of St. Peter's Basilica shown to the cente rear .

The edge of the paperweight with ribbed or moulded profile , which helps provide grip and functionality.

The skill and intricate techniques of mosaic inlay employing tesserae (small blocks of tile or stone) to form complex designs using colours , shape , size and shading is a much-admired medium used in the decorative arts in Italy since Roman times and throughout antiquity. Works of this type of micro-mosaic were developed and produced from the time of the Renaissance through the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries on into the late nineteenth century when scenic works of this type were produced as souvenirs of the Grand European tour for wealthy tourists.

In excellent original condition with no losses , repairs or damage .

H 4.5"

H (panel) 2.5"

W 5.5"

W (panel) 3.5"

D .75"

Italy c. 1880

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 .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

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 .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

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:

www.leesantiquesworcester.com.

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.