Italian Specimen Agate and Alabaster Hinged Table Box, Circa 1950s

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Italian Specimen Agate and Alabaster Hinged Table Box, Circa 1950s

This elegant Italian specimen agate and alabaster hinged table box, … Read more Italian Specimen Agate and Alabaster Hinged Table Box, Circa 1950s

This elegant Italian specimen agate and alabaster hinged table box, dating to the circa 1950s, is a refined example of mid-century Italian hardstone craftsmanship. Formed from richly banded agate with a luminous alabaster base and interior framing, the box showcases the natural beauty of stone as both structure and ornament.

The agate—best described as banded chalcedony agate, often commercially referred to in Italy as onyx marble—features dramatic horizontal striations in warm honey, caramel, amber, soft gray, and creamy white tones. These naturally occurring layers are carefully cut and polished to emphasize the stone’s geological depth and movement, giving each face a unique, painterly composition. The alabaster interior and lower section provide a subtle contrast, prized for its soft translucency and smooth finish.

A discreet metal hinge allows the lid to open cleanly, revealing a recessed interior suitable for jewelry, desk accessories, or small valuables. Both functional and sculptural, the box reflects Italy’s postwar neoclassical revival, where classical materials were reimagined through modern design sensibilities.

An exceptional decorative object for a desk, console, or cabinet, this piece offers timeless elegance, tactile richness, and unmistakable Italian character.

Dimensions:
Overall: 6" W x 4" D x 2" H
Interior: 4.5" W x 3.5" D x 1" H See less