AN ITALIAN PIETRA DURA PLAQUE

In 1588 Ferdinando I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, established a court workshop which specialised in semi-precious mosaics and inlays known as the Galleria dei Lavori. These works in hardstone and soft stone know as commessi di pietra dure, were often incorporated into cabinets and caskets and in these panels flowers and plants were frequently depicted alongside fruit and birds. For a very similar plaque of almost identical composition with central lapis vase see Christie's, London, 6 July 2016, lot 145 (£21,250 including premium).