RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc: Ask the Appraiser

Hi Jon,

I enjoy reading your interesting articles in the Rockland County Times, “Ask the Appraiser” every week. Maybe you can give me some information relative to this old box that I inherited from my father in 1978. The box is quite beautiful and as you can see, has colorful flowers everywhere. I have no idea about its origin or even how my father obtained it. It measures 10 inches X 4 inches and is in perfect condition. I’d like to know the type of decoration on it, as I have never seen anything like it. I would also like to know its value. Your time and extensive knowledge is greatly appreciated.

Rita

New City NY

Thank you for reading this column each week in the Rockland County Times. Your elegant Victorian period bronze mounted Pietra Dura decorated jewelry trinket casket was produced in the 1870’s. Pietra Dura is an Italian term translated “hard stones.” It is a method of inlaying colored marble or semi-precious stones into a slate base, precisely matched to create a pictorial scene. I like to think of Pietra Dura as essentially stone marquetry. It is closely related to the art of Jewelery. It can also be considered a type of sculpture as a three-dimensional style can be achieved. Examples of this decoration can be found in museums worldwide. It is believed to have originally started in the ancient Roman Empire. However, it was during the Italian Renaissance when this decoration gained popularity. The Florentines, who actually fully developed this art, considered it as “painting in stone.” This medium was transferred to other European countries and remained popular into the 19th century. The 20th century saw a decline in desirability as generally speaking, this style did not fit in with Modernist design. It is this appraiser’s professional opinion that the current retail value of this magnificent trinket casket is $1,500 USD.