Antiques M.S. Rau | Pietre Dure Specimen Casket

An Exceptional Relic Of Natural History, This Casket Bears More Than 150 Different Specimens Of Rare Marbles And Hardstones From Across The Globe, Inlaid Into Each Panel In A Neat, Multi-Colored Grid Pattern. The Fascinating Semi-Precious Stones Hail From Four Continents — Europe, Asia, Africa And South America — Conjuring Up Notions Of Worldliness And Sophistication. Each Specimen Is Unique, Displaying Its Own Vibrant Colors And Natural Striations To Enhance The Overall Richness Of The Design.

This 19Th-Century Casket Likely Would Have Served As A Memento Of A Once-Requisite Rite Of Passage For Young Gentlemen Of The Upper Class Known As The Grand Tour. Wealthy Aristocrats Making Their Grand Tour Through Europe Were Very Fond Of Pietre Dure Works. These Techniques Were Expensive, Requiring Not Only Precious Materials But Also Highly Skilled Craftsmen. Authentic Hardstone Works Such As This Are Very Rare And Were Available Only To The Wealthiest European Tourists.

Circa 1910

12 5/8″ Wide X 9″ Deep X 7 7/8″ High