RUSSIAN 1860 Antique Pietra Dura Dog Gold Oval Pill Box In Solid 14Kt Yellow Gold
Antique gold box with Pietra-Dura panel.
This is a beautiful antique oval box created in Russia back in the 1860. The box has been crafted in solid yellow gold of 14 karats (56 zolotnik) and is fitted with a five-barrels hinge and a snap pressure lock. The box is decorated on top with an oval panel made up in pietra-dura depicting a seated dog to the left and the gold is embellished with chiseled and engraved organics leaves motifs. The pietra-dura panel is of Italian origin, most probably dated back to 1830-1840. The box is fitted with a tiny oval mirror in the lid and may be used for any purpose, as example will be great as a pill-box.
Pietra-Dura
This mean "hard stone" in Italian, is a mosaic art form where colorful, semi-precious stones are inlaid into a hard surface, often black marble or onyx. This technique involves carefully sawn and fitted pieces of gemstones, creating elaborate patterns and images. It has been used in architecture, jewelry, and decorative arts since ancient times, with notable examples in Renaissance Italy and Mughal India.
Country: Europe, Russian and Italy.
Period: 1850-1860.
Weight: 45.75 Grams, (29.35 Dwt).
Measurements: 45 mm by 36 mm by 15 mm (1.77 x 1.42 x 0.59 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with two cartouches, the maker's mark, the zolotnik mark for the assay and warranty of the gold and signed as follows, "AP 56 Swan".
Zolotnik
The zolotnik was also used to measure fineness of precious metals (gold, silver, platinum). In this case, the ratio zolotnik/font was meant, so one zolotnik meant 1⁄96. For example, 14-karat (58.33%) gold was named "56-zolotnik gold" in Russia.
Collateral: This pietra-dura gold box is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this pietra-dura gold box is in great shape. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All parts are secured in the settings. This box has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D051125AINM/.8578
