Description

Fine late C19th carved marble 'Grand Tour' souvenir ink-stand, probably Maltese by Darmanin.
Beautifully designed and executed, carved scallop-shell form desk ink-stand or standish. Carved from a single piece of stone , believed to be either Marmo Giallo Antico or Jaune de Valence, with striking figuring and colour. The carved and 'ribbed' shell body has an integral 3-division ink/pen/sand section to the rear.
The reverse of the piece has a clearly incised letter "D" carved to the flat surface. We believe this to be the signature of the famous Maltese marble sculptors , Darmanin & Sons. Renowned for their armorial table-tops and sculptural objects, the firm founded by Giuseppe Darmanin (1779-1863) in about 1800, were the most prominent marble-workers in C19th Malta. Many of their marble-inlaid table-tops feature Mediterranean shells in the decoration , further adding to our attribution.
Giuseppetti Darmanin e Figli ( J. Darmanin & Sons ) exhibited at The Great Exhibition of 1851 at the Crystal Palace , London . Examples of their workmanship are in the Royal Collection of H.M Queen Elizabeth.
The scallop shell has from the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome long been symbolic both of the sea and of Venus or Aphrodite , Goddess of love , she is also depicted by the Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli in his famous work "The Birth of Venus" , rising from the sea on a scallop shell .
Excellent colour and condition with no breaks,chips or repairs. Minor wear inside shell dished area from use.
Malta c.1850
W 11.5"
D 10"
H 2"
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 .
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: ML1601