Rococo

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RARE SILVER EROTIC MUSICAL BOX ITALY, 1930s

RARE SILVER EROTIC MUSICAL BOX ITALY, 1930s

An elegant silver musical box with an automatic mechanism, combining the functions of a cigarette case and a mechanical miniature scene. The rectangular case is crafted in 800 standard silver, featuring fine guilloché decoration and an ornamental border along the edges of the lid and body. The upper section opens to form a gilded cigarette tray, beneath which the musical mechanism is concealed.The interior is richly gilded and decorated with a relief composition depicting a pastoral landscape with architectural motifs and decorative elements inspired by Neorococo aesthetics. At the centre is a movable figurative scene showing a couple dressed in 18th century costumes, executed in polychrome metal against a dark contrasting ground. When the mechanism is wound, the scene animates to musical accompaniment, creating the effect of a theatrical miniature and emphasising the playful, gallant character of the object.The high artistic quality, mechanical complexity and the rarity of erotic subject matter in silver musical boxes make this piece an exceptional example of decorative and applied arts of the first half of the 20th century. A probable attribution points to the Italian silversmithing tradition of Sicily, with a possible connection to the circle of Palermo workshops specialising in refined interior accessories and objects of private use.Hallmarks: Italian assay mark “800”. Maker’s mark not identified, possibly lost or concealed beneath structural elements.Dimensions:Height: 3.2 cmWidth: 9.2 cmLength: 5.7 cmMaterial: 800 standard silver, gilding, mechanical musical movement, mixed metal elements.Condition: Good. Overall well preserved considering age. Minor signs of wear and superficial scratches. Gilding to the interior preserved. Mechanism in working order.Provenance: Private collection.

Picture frame. 19th century.

Picture frame. 19th century.

Fruit vase. Carl Thieme.

Fruit vase. Carl Thieme.

Rococo console. End of the 19th century.

Rococo console. End of the 19th century.

Rococo mirror.

Romantic Couple. Sitzendorf.

Romantic Couple. Sitzendorf.

Boy with flowers. Meissen.

Boy with flowers. Meissen.

Girl with a basket. Meissen

Girl with a basket. Meissen

Porcelain figure Boy with a goat. Meissen

Porcelain figure Boy with a goat. Meissen

Wooden, gilded console of the 19th century.

Wooden, gilded console of the 19th century.

Silver cup holder. Imperial Russia

Silver cup holder. Imperial Russia

Openwork silver cup holder of the second Rococo with a glass, Carl Gustav Ekqvist, 1851. From the base of the cup holder, ivy grows an ornate shoot-handle. Its playful mood is transmitted to the glass inserted in the cupholder. The pink color of the glass suggests a more fun pastime than a tea ceremony.Hallmarks: 84, letters CGE corresponding to silver cases to the master Carl Gustav Ekqvist, assay mark 1851 poorly readable initials of the assay master. Total weight: 190 gr. N-10.5cm.

Wall clock with console, Rococo style. 19th century.

Wall clock with console, Rococo style. 19th century.

Necessaire. France 19th century.

Necessaire. France 19th century.

Figure Cherub on a date. KPM.

Figure Cherub on a date. KPM.

Porcelain figurine Sheep shearing.

Porcelain figurine Sheep shearing.

Bronze sculpture Romantic couple.

Bronze sculpture Romantic couple.

18th Century Pair of Louis XV Rococo Style Italian Sconces in Gilded Wood

18th Century Pair of Louis XV Rococo Style Italian Sconces in Gilded Wood

19th Century Gilt Bronze Candleholders, in the style of Ernest Meissonier

19th Century Gilt Bronze Candleholders, in the style of Ernest Meissonier

Rococo showcase. Gallant age.

Rococo showcase. Gallant age.

Large, three-part showcase - Gallant age, cabriole on legs. Decorated with artistic painting and elements of gilded bronze. Key included. H-209 cm.

Gilded Wood Mirror With Putti, Italy, 19th Century

Gilded Wood Mirror With Putti, Italy, 19th Century

Pair of gilded bronze rocaille candelabra.

Pair of gilded bronze rocaille candelabra.

Table lamp Putti

Table lamp Putti

Carved ivory figurine of a boy with a bird 1800s.

Carved ivory figurine of a boy with a bird 1800s.

Couple photo frames

Couple photo frames

Porcelain console. Dresden.

Porcelain console. Dresden.

Pair of bronze wall sconces.

Pair of bronze wall sconces.

Sconce Rococo style

Sconce Rococo style

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