AN ITALIAN PARCEL-GILT AND MALACHITE-SET BOX

The tradition of gold and silversmithing in the Buccellati family dates back to the early 18th century, when Mario Buccellati founded the jewellery house in Milan, and where production continues today. Buccellati derived inspiration from the superb craftsmanship of the celebrated 16th century goldsmith and sculptor Benevenuto Cellini. He adopted and modified Cellini’s jewellery technique of 'texture engraving' with a bullino, a steel tool similar to a chisel which has been employed by craftsmen since the Renaissance to achieve varying effects on the surface of the metal.