Stunning Antique Italian Pietra Dura Table c.1900

This is a truly outstanding antique Pietra Dura Florentine marble table on a wrought iron base, circa 1900.

The design is unusual and eclectic and has been masterfully crafted in many different colours. There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is certain to make it a talking point in your home. As such, this remarkable table is sure to take pride of place in your dining room or reception.

The black marble top is expertly inlaid with numerous semi-precious stones including lapis, malachite and jade, in a process known as "Pietra Dura."  It is an incredibly difficult process to cut and inlay the stones into the marble. As such, this is probably the work of more than one master craftsman. The table top would have been made in areas around Florence in Italy, where suitable workmen were available. The marble base is inlaid with various coloured stones, weaving intricate delightful patterns.

A truly rare opportunity to own such a stunning piece at a bargain price. This table is sure to make you the envy of your friends and neighbours!

Pietra Dura is an art-historical term for the technique of using small, exquisitely cut and fitted, highly-polished colored stones to create what amounts to a painting in stone. It is considered a decorative art. The stonework, after the work is assembled loosely, is glued stone-by-stone to a substrate after having previously been "sliced and cut in different shape sections; and then assembled together so precisely that the contact between each section was practically invisible".

Stability was achieved by grooving the undersides of the stones so that they interlocked, rather much like a jigsaw puzzle, with everything held tautly in place by an encircling 'frame.' Many different colored stones, particularly marbles, were used, along with semiprecious, and even precious stones. It first appeared in Rome in the 1500s but reached its full maturity in Florence. Pietra Dura items are generally crafted on green, white and black marble color base stones.


Dimensions:

Height: 78 cm

Width: 180 cm

Depth: 120 cm