Italian Green & Plum Specimen Marble Box, Alabaster Interior, Florence, 1970s

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Italian Green & Plum Specimen Marble Box with Alabaster Interior, Florence, Mid-20th Century
4.75" W x 3.25" D x 1.25" … Read more Italian Green & Plum Specimen Marble Box with Alabaster Interior, Florence, Mid-20th Century
4.75" W x 3.25" D x 1.25" H

This elegant Italian decorative box is crafted in richly figured emerald green specimen marble, dramatically veined with inky black striations and subtle plum-purple inclusions, creating a bold and organic surface pattern unique to each face. The vivid coloration, polished to a soft gloss, highlights the natural movement within the stone and gives the piece a sculptural presence despite its intimate scale.

Produced in Florence in the mid-20th century, the box reflects the city’s celebrated tradition of pietre dure and hardstone craftsmanship. The precisely cut body features clean, canted corners and carefully mitered joints, demonstrating the technical precision required to fabricate functional objects from dense stone. A gilt bronze piano hinge allows the lid to open smoothly, revealing a fully lined warm blush-toned alabaster interior, whose matte softness provides a refined contrast to the polished exterior.

An original paper label inside the lid reads:
“M.F.D. Herstein—Milano / Made in Italy / Bottega del Mosaico—Firenze," identifying the Florentine workshop tradition behind its production and the Milanese distributor responsible for export.

In very good vintage condition with minor wear consistent with age, this box is ideal for jewelry, desk accessories, or as a striking accent within a collection of Italian hardstone objects. See less