A set of five late 17th/early 18th century Italian pietre dura plaques mounted into a walnut and...

A set of five late 17th/early 18th century Italian pietre dura plaques mounted into a walnut and parcel gilt casket The plaques probably Florentine and perhaps attributable to the Grand Ducal Workshop, the casket, probably 19th century Each plaque inlaid with semi-precious stones including lapis lazuli, Sicilian jasper and amethyst, the lid mounted with a large rectangular plaque depicting a parrot with colourful plumage seated on a branch of leafy fruiting persimmon reserved on a black slate ground, the sides mounted with matching narrow rectangular panels depicting ribbon tied leafy branches of alternating purple and white Monreale plums and persimmon, all similarly reserved on a black slate ground, the casket of moulded panelled rectangular form, the lid with iron hinges, the moulded base raised on bun feet, 24cm high, 35.5cm wide, 29cm deep Footnotes: The hardstone inlaid plaques mounted in the casket of the offered lot depict various fruits, foliage and a colourful parrot. These designs reflect the style of pietre dure plaques or tablets produced by the 'Galleria dei Lavori,' or Grand Ducal Workshops, established in Florence under the direction of Giovan Battista Foggini (Italian, 1652-1725) during the reign of Grand Duke Cosimo III (Italian, 1670-1723). Founded by Ferdinando I de' Medici in 1588, the Grand Ducal Workshop aimed to celebrate the artistry of Florence through the creation of exquisite works in rare and precious materials. It is likely that the designs of the offered plaques were influenced by the earlier drawings of Jacopo Ligozzi (Italian, fl. 1547-1627), a Medici court painter and former director of the 'Galleria dei Lavori.' The popularity of such plaques or tablets is evidenced by a comment from Anna Maria Giusti, author of 'Pietre Dure: Hardstone in Furniture and Decorations' who states (op. cit., p. 79), 'both at court and among other highly-placed patrons, the most appreciated designs were the floral ones on a ground of paragone di Fiandra and those depicting birds.' Plaques of this type gained significant popularity among early Grand Tourists visiting Florence on their travels. Notably, the diarist John Evelyn is recorded as having brought back several plaques to England in the 1720s, commissioning a cabinet specifically for their display. Additionally, several later plaques featuring birds and butterflies can be found on the Badminton Cabinet, commissioned by the 3rd Duke of Beaufort from the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in 1726. Comparative Literature Anna Maria Giusti, Pietre Dure: Hardstone in Furniture and Decorations, London, 1992. Anna Maria Massinelli, The Gilbert Collection: Hardstones, London, 2000. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing