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10Y
A miniature ivory sculpture and gem-set brooch, 18th and 19th century
The oval glazed compartment containing a miniature ivory sculpture depicting an 18th century country scene beside a well, within a 19th century border of half-pearls and emeralds decorated with beaded details, later pin fitting, composite, length 3.0cm.
Sold for £720 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • See P. W, Hartmann, Micropictures - Miracles of Sculpture, Vienna 2003, for similar ivory reliefs.
    "Detail rendering in such microscopically small dimensions in hard ivory (...) nearly oversteps the limits of what is humanly possible."
    "In connection with the maid-at-the-well motif, Meusel (...) also praised the sculptor's learning in terms of his choice of subjects. Marriage was sometimes preceded by the meeting of men and women at the village well. Thus (he) saw the maid-at-the-well motif as a love-token and symbol of engagement."

Category: Jewellery

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Y CITES