DESCRIPTION

Antique 19th Century Austrian Renaissance revival solid silver enameled and gem-set figural agate vase, the baluster agate body supported by a square domed foot, beautifully champleve' enamelled with a multicolored foliage and swag decoration, the silver central beaded boarder is applied with a floral basket and laurel garlands set with cabochon rubies and pearls, the top of the vase is ofset with two emerald set figures holding floral garlands set with rubies. the silver is richly gilt.

This type of Renaissance revival pieces became very popular in Europe in the late 19th Century - famous examples that closely remind this piece can be found in the repertory of the French silversmith Jean-Valentin Morel ([please follow this link](http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-french-jewelled-and-enamelled-mark-of-3828878-details.aspx?intObjectID=3828878)) and fine Austrian jewelers and silversmiths such as Hermann Ratzerdorfer ([please follow this link](http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2011/property-from-the-collection-of-carl-desantis/lot.179.html)) and Hermann Boehm ([please follow this link](http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/lot.221.html/2014/russian-and-silver-vo-n09134)).

The piece is probably Austrian - such precious gem-set pieces are topically Viennese - and closely reminds the works by Ratzersdorfer. As often the case for such objects the silver is not Hallmarked but acid tested shows a 900+ standard, it probably date to the 1880's.

CONDITION

In Great condition - No damage.

SIZE

Height: 16cm

Width: 10 x 5.5cm

Weight: 240g

REFERENCE NUMBER: A4366