Sculpture, sculture portagioie ,agrume e fico - 6.5 cm - .800 silver
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Selected by Chiara Scotto Pasanisi dei Foscarini
Holds master’s in art business and decorative arts; exhibited at TEFAF Maastricht.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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A rare pair of solid silver 800 portagioie sculptures in the shapes of citrus and fig, Italian Brutalist/Modernist design from the 1960s–70s, each with a hidden hinge enabling a small jewellery compartment, total weight 242 g (agrume 124 g, fico 118 g), signed and in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Rare pair of fruit-shaped jewelry sculptures (Citrus and Fig) - Brutalist/Modernist Style - 800 Silver - Italy, 1960s/70s
Fascinating pair of solid 800 silver desk sculptures, finely crafted in the shapes of Citrus fruits and Fig. These works fit perfectly within the Italian Brutalist and Modernist design currents of the 1960s and 1970s, distinguished by strong material expressiveness and the artistic reinterpretation of natural elements.
The extraordinary design feature of these sculptures lies in the concealed opening on the flat base: an invisible hinge from above allows the lower hemisphere to be flipped up to reveal a small jewelry box or secretaire compartment. When placed on a table, the openings disappear completely, preserving the purity of the lines and the sculptural continuity of the piece in the round.
The surfaces reveal extraordinary artisanal craftsmanship:
• The Citrus sculpture is enhanced by a rich, deep repoussé hammered finish that reproduces the porous texture of the rind, topped by a sculpted stem with taut, smooth leaves.
• The Fig sculpture plays with geometric contrasts, thanks to a lattice pattern engraved on the front that blends with vertical graphic, deeply carved stripes, capable of enhancing the fruit’s volumes.
• Material: Solid 800 silver (both sculptures bear the oval 800 hallmark stamped on the hinge).
• Silversmith mark: Present but not identifiable with absolute certainty due to time wear. Fine Italian artisanal craftsmanship of the period.
• Total Weight: 242 grams (Citrus Sculpture: 124 g / Fig Sculpture: 118 g)
Dimensions:
• Citrus Sculpture: Height 5 cm | Width 6 cm | Depth 6 cm
• Fig Sculpture: Height 6.5 cm | Width 5 cm | Depth 5 cm
Excellent vintage condition. The sculptures are structurally intact and free of distortions. The hinge closures are perfectly stable and precise. They retain a beautiful original patina with natural oxidation that emphasizes the volumes, engravings, and the chiaroscuro of the hammering.
Seller's Story
For over 20 years, I have dedicated myself passionately to the search for and trading of special, rare, curious objects from any era.
Every piece I select has something that catches my attention: it can be the shape, the story, the unusual aspect, or simply that detail that makes it unique.
I am always searching for objects that speak, that tell something to those who know how to listen.
I choose them carefully, photograph them honestly, and describe them as accurately as possible.
Selling on this Catawiki to share this passion with those who, like me, love to surround themselves with things with a soul.
Translated by Google TranslateRare pair of fruit-shaped jewelry sculptures (Citrus and Fig) - Brutalist/Modernist Style - 800 Silver - Italy, 1960s/70s
Fascinating pair of solid 800 silver desk sculptures, finely crafted in the shapes of Citrus fruits and Fig. These works fit perfectly within the Italian Brutalist and Modernist design currents of the 1960s and 1970s, distinguished by strong material expressiveness and the artistic reinterpretation of natural elements.
The extraordinary design feature of these sculptures lies in the concealed opening on the flat base: an invisible hinge from above allows the lower hemisphere to be flipped up to reveal a small jewelry box or secretaire compartment. When placed on a table, the openings disappear completely, preserving the purity of the lines and the sculptural continuity of the piece in the round.
The surfaces reveal extraordinary artisanal craftsmanship:
• The Citrus sculpture is enhanced by a rich, deep repoussé hammered finish that reproduces the porous texture of the rind, topped by a sculpted stem with taut, smooth leaves.
• The Fig sculpture plays with geometric contrasts, thanks to a lattice pattern engraved on the front that blends with vertical graphic, deeply carved stripes, capable of enhancing the fruit’s volumes.
• Material: Solid 800 silver (both sculptures bear the oval 800 hallmark stamped on the hinge).
• Silversmith mark: Present but not identifiable with absolute certainty due to time wear. Fine Italian artisanal craftsmanship of the period.
• Total Weight: 242 grams (Citrus Sculpture: 124 g / Fig Sculpture: 118 g)
Dimensions:
• Citrus Sculpture: Height 5 cm | Width 6 cm | Depth 6 cm
• Fig Sculpture: Height 6.5 cm | Width 5 cm | Depth 5 cm
Excellent vintage condition. The sculptures are structurally intact and free of distortions. The hinge closures are perfectly stable and precise. They retain a beautiful original patina with natural oxidation that emphasizes the volumes, engravings, and the chiaroscuro of the hammering.
Seller's Story
For over 20 years, I have dedicated myself passionately to the search for and trading of special, rare, curious objects from any era.
Every piece I select has something that catches my attention: it can be the shape, the story, the unusual aspect, or simply that detail that makes it unique.
I am always searching for objects that speak, that tell something to those who know how to listen.
I choose them carefully, photograph them honestly, and describe them as accurately as possible.
Selling on this Catawiki to share this passion with those who, like me, love to surround themselves with things with a soul.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Style subtype
Brutalist
Silver type
.800 silver
Country of origin
Italy
Style
Vintage
Material
Silver
Title of artwork
sculture portagioie ,agrume e fico
Signature
Signed
Condition
Good condition
Height
6.5 cm
Width
5 cm
Depth
5 cm
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