Beautiful Antique Mid 19th Century Italian Pietra Dura "Hard Stone" Inlay Decorative Obelisk - "Grand Tour" Souvenir

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This is a Absolutely Beautiful Antique Pietra Dura Obelisk Measuring Approx 14 1/2 inches Tall. Circa Mid 19th Century. It … Read more This is a Absolutely Beautiful Antique Pietra Dura Obelisk Measuring Approx 14 1/2 inches Tall. Circa Mid 19th Century. It would have Been Produced to be Used as a Decorative Object. Pietra Dura Pieces were Produced in Italy and they were Incorporated into the Design Many Objects that were Sold Over the Years to Visiting Affluent Travelers as "Grand Tour" Souvenirs. They Ranged in Size from the Smallest Pieces Typically Jewelry to Large Full Size Furniture Items. It is an Italian art form that involves inlaying colored stones into a background to create a Mosaic. The Black Background Stone that is used in the Majority of These Pieces is Belgian Marble. The stones are cut into small pieces and arranged into intricate design creating a Painting in Stone. The Term Pietra Dura Translates to "Hard Stone". The Ancient Romans developed the technique for decorating walls and floors. The technique became popular in Florence during the Renaissance. The Stones that are Typically Used Include Silicates, such as Agates, Alabaster, Amethyst, Jade, Jasper, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx, Chalcedonies, Granite's, Porphyries, Petrified Wood and others as in this case a Piece of Abalone Shell. It is in Very Nice All Original Condition - Displays Beautifully!. Minor Imperfections Noted - it has a few Small Chips Here and There to the Black Belgian Marble.
It Measures Overall Approx 14 1/2 inches Tall x 4 1/4 inches x 4 1/4 inches At Base.


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