The god of wine, caught mid-chuckle. A carved red coral mask of Bacchus, his head crowned with tight curls, grins out from a trefoil-shaped 18 karat yellow gold frame, flanked by two round coral cabochons and finished with a long, polished coral drop. Loops at either upper side let it hang from a chain as a necklace centerpiece, and the back is a smooth brushed gold plate.
Classical heads carved in coral were a celebrated specialty of 19th-century southern Italy, prized by travelers on the Grand Tour.
The Details
- Era: 19th century, antique
- Metal: 18 karat yellow gold
- Stones: Carved red coral mask of Bacchus, two round red coral cabochons, red coral teardrop drop
- Measurements: 38.1 x 22.2 mm (1 1/2 x 7/8 in)
- Weight: Approx. 4.62 grams
- Condition: Very good, with crisp carving and even color; light wear to the gold consistent with age.
The god of wine, caught mid-chuckle. A carved red coral mask of Bacchus, his head crowned with tight curls, grins out from a trefoil-shaped 18 karat yellow gold frame, flanked by two round coral cabochons and finished with a long, polished coral drop. Loops at either upper side let it hang from a chain as a necklace centerpiece, and the back is a smooth brushed gold plate.
Classical heads carved in coral were a celebrated specialty of 19th-century southern Italy, prized by travelers on the Grand Tour.
The Details
- Era: 19th century, antique
- Metal: 18 karat yellow gold
- Stones: Carved red coral mask of Bacchus, two round red coral cabochons, red coral teardrop drop
- Measurements: 38.1 x 22.2 mm (1 1/2 x 7/8 in)
- Weight: Approx. 4.62 grams
- Condition: Very good, with crisp carving and even color; light wear to the gold consistent with age.