Goblet - Alabaster

Elegant decorative alabaster cup from Volterra, late 19th, early 20th century.

Italian artisans and sculptors, particularly active in Tuscany around Volterra, produced alabaster decorative objects since the eighteenth century. These pieces were created to satisfy the growing demand for artistic and elegant artifacts from Grand Tour travelers and international markets. The artisans worked the soft stone by turning and hand carving, refining the details with great care to highlight the natural veining of the material.

Well-to-do families used these refined pieces as prestigious decorative elements to enrich their living rooms and dining rooms. Such objects were usually displayed on important tables, sideboards, or fireplaces to showcase the owners’ good taste and their passion for decorative art. Over time, the use of these furnishings evolved, transforming them from everyday objects into highly sought-after collectibles.