Pietre dure is a mosaic technique using cut and fitted polished hardstones and marbles to create pictorial scenes or geometric patterns. Craftsmen shape each stone piece precisely before bedding it into a solid base material.

Where were these pieces made?

Production centres include Italy, particularly Florence, alongside English workshops producing Ashford black marble items in Derbyshire. Grand Tour travellers frequently acquired Italian marble panels and tables to bring home.

How do I care for a marble top?

Clean the surface gently using a soft, dry cloth and avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the polished stone. Protect the heavy marble from sharp impacts and use coasters to prevent staining on antique tables.

How do I date a pietre dure table?

Examine the supporting timber framework, as Regency rosewood bases differ significantly from Victorian mahogany supports or later art deco designs. Construction methods and the types of marble used help place pieces within the eighteenth, nineteenth or twentieth centuries.