A stunningly beautiful carving Italian Sardonyx Shell Cameo representing Winged Cupid Chariot drawn by 2 x Dolphins.
Large H13 x W14 cms, Circumference 33cms.
‘Grand Tour’ piece and dates from around the middle of the 19th century, or slightly later. The cameo has been carved on a large Male King Helmet Shell (Cassis tuberosa), with a white outer layer and chocolate brown underlayer.
The quality of detail of the cameo is superb, with impressive detail to the figures and using the 3 D effect of the translucence of the white shell. The lightening bolts and the chariot reins are barely thicker than a human hair. The condition is extremely good, without any visible damage.
Sardonyx shells are the best shells for carving, identified as a white layer on a chocolate brown background. It is used for the finest cameos by the best carvers. There are three varieties, but the Male King Helmet Shell is considered to be the best shell for creating the finest quality carvings. The male has a thicker shell than the female. This extra thickness allows for carving a cameo with a high relief. As the most desirable of all the cameos, it commands very high prices.