Description

Pair of C19th Italian �Grand Tour� souvenir highly-figured carved �alabastro egiziano� smaller-scale tazze , after the antique, on black marble block bases .
Elegant pair of Italian carved shallow-bowled tazzas in prized Egyptian alabaster (Lapis Onyx). Each with gadrooned or fluted bodies fitted with twin carved loop handles , the moulded edge bowls with carved roundels or paterae to the centres. Raised on turned socles with a circular spreading foot, onto original black marble block plinth bases.
The strikingly-figured rare stone having a translucent quality and �caramel� or honey colour and hue .
Each having historic repairs , though stable and intrinsically uncompromised .
These types of quality �objets d�art� were produced in Italy, principally Rome , for sale to wealthy tourists completing the �Grand Tour� of the ancient cultural sites and sights of Europe during the C18th and C19th centuries.
* �Alabastro Egiziano� ( Egyptian alabaster , or yellow onyx) is quarried in Egypt is a natural yellow to honey-coloured stone . It features a crystalline structure with soft bands and high translucency which allows light to pass through it , giving a glowing effect.
The ancient Romans crafted objects and vases from this spectacular and valued stone , as an example a similarly figured alabastro egiziano 1st century BCE cinerary urn is housed at Palazzo Massimo , Rome , Italy . (See photo)
This type of classically designed tazza takes its design inspiration from an ancient Roman carved marble Labrum , the shallow basin used to hold cold water in a Roman bath complex in the Caldarium or hot room , and they were also placed in the atrium of a dwelling to collect rainwater.
H 4.5�
W 7�
D 6�
Italy c.1840
Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .
Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .
Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .
All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .
If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:
www.leesantiquesworcester.com.
Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218
Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.
Internal Ref: ML 268