Beschreibung:

Continental Carved Boulder Opal and Silver Miniature Bust of a Warrior Sculpted by Cesar Tassinari Inscribed TASSINARI under the front rim edge of the warrior's helmet and STERLING SILVER on the underside of the socle, the helmet embellished with wirework and diamond chips, together with an associated malachite-veneered cube stand, affixed with a gilt-metal small plaque that reads OPAL BUST OF WARRIOR MADE IN ONE PIECE SCULPTED BY CESAR TASSINARI 19TH CENTURY FRENCH ARTIST BELONGED TO THE FAMILY OF PRINCE GALITZIN FOR THE LAST CENTURY. Height of bust 6 3/4 inches, width 3 5/8 inches; height of stand 3 3/4 inches. Cesar Tassinari was listed as an engraver of medals and fine stones from Italy in 1892. While this bust by Tassarini appears to be bronze or silver with an opal and gem-decorated helmet, it is actually one large piece of opal. The face is covered with a bronze-like patina hiding the luster of the opal, which can be seen shining through some cracks in the patina, especially on the neck. Opal is a very fragile and soft stone, making it difficult to carve figures such as this one. C
appears to be in generally good condition; there is at least one of the small diamond chips missing along the bottom rim edge of the warrior's helmet (right facing side); please note: the part of the head that appears to be made of bronze is actually part of the opal boulder - it is simply not brightly colored and fiery like the helmet