Rare large English enamel writing casket, c.1765

Rare large English enamel writing casket, c.1765

Apr 3, 2014 | 2014 Exhibition, Fairs & Exhibitions, Fresh Items

This powerful piece of Rococo style is the front cover image of our 2014 Catalogue- it’s that good. While it looks like porcelain, it is English enamel. It’s a writing casket as the interior has gilt copper divisions for inkwells etc. The outside has a white-on-white raised diaper pattern and rococo framed panels brightly painted with classical landscapes including figures and ruins – subjects as follows: Right side – cherub carving a bust   Left side – cherub playing a flute   Back – Apollo playing his lyre, as Pegasus flies by to the right.     Lid – a classical lady being crowned by a man in armour; he is Mars, and the cherubs to the right hold his attribute, the sword. The other cherub holds a flaming torch, suggesting the goddess is Venus – the scene therefore being War crowning Love. Front – Urania, the muse of astronomy, peers though a telescope while leaning on a table globe. This amazing piece is a part of our 2014 Exhibition, and will be released for sale on April...