A Byzantine Revival Micro-mosaic Stick Pin By Antonio Carli

A Byzantine Revival Micro-mosaic Stick Pin By Antonio Carli

Description

A Byzantine revival micro-mosaic stick pin in the form of an oil lamp, attributed to Antonio Carli, the circular micro mosaic panel depicting a multi coloured insect on white background, surrounded by red, blue and white mosaic panels to a yellow gold mount with twisted wire and palmette decorations, all to a yellow gold pin, circa 1860, gross weight 5.6 grams, compare with similar style oil-lamp pendant made by Antonio Carli, illustrated in the catalogue The Art of the Jeweller, the Hull Grundy Gift to the British Museum, Hugh Tait ed., Vol I, p. 153, no. 969 and Vol. II, p. 252, no. 969.
British Museum number of a similar item – 1978,1002.126.

This exquisite stick pin was made by the revivalist jewellery Antonio Carli. This piece is in the form of a Byzantine oil lamp, decorated on the top with a palmette motif. The body of the lamp is decorated with extremely fine micro mosaic, an ancient technique from Italy that experienced a resurgence of popularity in the mid nineteenth century. The mosaic features a complex pattern of red and white to the top and blue and white to the bottom. In the centre is a detailed mosaic insect. This wonderful and historic piece is a fine collector’s item.