Tortoiseshell and coral case, Sicily, 18th-19th century

Height x width x depth: 30 x 26 x 8.5 cm. Weight: 1660 g approx.

rectangular-shaped case veneered in tortoiseshell (hawksbill sea turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, Cheloniidae).
Inside the case, the glass protects a delicate three-dimensional landscape made primarily of coral and metal. The Mediterranean coral (Corallium rubrum) is arranged to form a tree with intricate branches; among the branches and across the scene, one can spot other decorative details in gilded metal, including small animals or birds. At the center of the landscape stands an animal figure – a lion - carved from Cerasuolo coral (Corallum Eliatus); positioned on a base evoking natural rock, it faces one of the bird figures, likely a hawk, crafted in gilded metal. Two more birds—one in gilded metal and the other in silvered metal—are placed in the background on the right, one at the top and the other in the center.
The scene evokes an exotic or idyllic setting, made all the more fascinating by the contrast between the blue of the background and the bright colours of the coral and golden decorations.

On the back of the case there is a not fully legible label referring to an antiquarian active in Palermo, possibly on Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

This lot, accompanied by an expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union.