Ottaviani - Jewellery box - .925 silver

Large jewelry box, 30 × 22 × 10 cm, by Ottaviani (one of Italy’s most historic and prestigious names in silverware, goldsmithing, and design), made of rosewood (a noble, robust exotic wood with warm grain). The lid is entirely embellished with a magnificent repoussé silver plaque (hallmarked 925), finely hand-decorated with glossy polychrome enamels in vivid hues.
This is repoussé and chasing work: the artisan hammered and shaped the silver sheet from the back to create the raised forms (repoussé), then refined the minute details on the front with small tools called chasing tools. This ancient technique ensures that every piece has unique nuances.

The work depicts with great intensity and geometric mastery the celebrated Biblical scene from the Gospel of John: Jesus and the adulterous woman. A piece with a powerful artistic, spiritual, and visual impact.

Key details of the figures depicted:

• At the center: Jesus (recognizable by his tunic and curved shepherd’s staff) addresses the woman accused of adultery with compassion. She stands before him with her head bowed as a sign of humility and repentance.

• At the sides: Scribes and Pharisees are shown wearing richly decorated robes featuring the green and blue geometric enamels characteristic of the Ottaviani style. Some hold small cases or scrolls of the Law, shown questioning Christ in an attempt to test him.
The episode depicted in this work comes from the Gospel according to John (Chapter 8, 1–11) and is one of the most moving and celebrated stories about humanity, forgiveness, and justice.
The scene takes place in the Temple in Jerusalem. The scribes and Pharisees (the teachers of the law at the time) bring before Jesus a woman caught in the act of adultery. Under the severe Mosaic law of the time, adultery was punishable by death by stoning.
The accusers are not interested in justice; they use the woman as bait to set a trap for Jesus:
• If he had said to set her free, they would have accused him of violating the sacred Law of Moses.
• If he had approved the stoning, he would have contradicted all his preaching centered on mercy and love.
The adulterous woman (the central figure with her head bowed): The female figure stands out at the center of the composition. Her bowed head and composed posture express not only shame, but symbolize inner repentance and complete surrender. Her silver garment deliberately contrasts with the vivid geometric patterns worn by the others, visually setting her apart at the moment of judgment.

• Jesus (listening and compassion): Jesus is depicted facing her, welcoming her and speaking with those present. In the Gospel account, faced with the accusers’ persistent questions, Jesus first bends down to write on the ground with his finger. Then he stands and utters the celebrated words that silence the crowd: “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

• The Scribes and Pharisees (the letter of the Law): The male figures surrounding the scene wear richly decorated robes with green and blue enamel diamonds and circles. They hold small cases or sacred scrolls, symbolizing rigidity and formal adherence to the codes. Stung by Jesus’ words, which compel them to look into their own consciences, they begin to recognize their own sins. Indeed, the Gospel relates that, on hearing his words, the accusers slipped away one by one, beginning with the eldest.

An item of great value, ideal as an exclusive gift, to enhance a home interior, or for collectors of signed silverware.