Vintage Italian Alabaster Box, Hand Carved Fluted Stone & Brass

Opening the lid reveals the real drama of this vintage Italian alabaster box. Beneath its deeply carved, almost architectural parchment-toned exterior lies a beautifully polished interior, where lighter cream stone gives way to smoky grey veining and cloud-like natural formations, all framed by warm brass.

Hand-carved in Italy during the mid-century period, the substantial cylindrical form is worked with deeply fluted, irregular vertical cuts around its entire exterior. The treatment gives the alabaster an unusually raw, sculptural character, while the smooth underside of the lid and polished interior reveal an entirely different face of the same stone.

Natural translucency becomes particularly visible through the lighter areas, bringing remarkable depth to the cream and smoky grey markings. The hinged brass mount creates a precise golden line between lid and body and has developed a gentle natural patina with age.

Closed, the box has an almost monolithic presence; opened, the contrast between rugged carving, polished stone and warm brass becomes particularly striking. At approximately 780 grams, it is also wonderfully substantial for its size, with the tactile quality of an object carved from solid stone.

Its generous cylindrical form makes it beautifully versatile. It can hold writing instruments and small objects on a desk, cosmetics on a dressing table, jewellery and personal treasures, or simply be displayed on a shelf or console as a sculptural piece of vintage Italian stonework.

Measurements
Diameter: approx. 8.5 cm (3.35 in)
Height: approx. 11 cm (4.33 in)

Weight
Approx. 0.78 kg (1.72 lb)

Condition
The vintage object is in its original condition and may show signs of use. The brass retains areas of natural patination, which have purposefully been left untouched to preserve its original character.