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Victorian, Castellani, Brass Paper Knife, Onyx Decoration, Lux Desk Accessories

About the Item

Immerse yourself in the divinity of this late 19th-century Italian letter opener, attributed to the masterful Michelangelo Caetani for Castellani, Italy. Crafted with meticulous artistry, the piece transcends its utilitarian roots, seamlessly blending form and function. The design, deeply rooted in Italian Gothic influences, is a poetic homage to Dante, manifesting in a divine brass angel gracing a pedestal of heavenly white onyx. The angel, with arms gracefully crossed and a gown billowing in delicate movement, stands atop a finely engraved brass overlay, evoking ethereal beauty. The upturned wings, a soft oval of precise sculptural lines, impart a celestial aura. The juxtaposition of the Gothic-style metal overlay and the simplicity of brass supports emerging from the onyx base creates a harmonious visual dialogue. The letter opener, utilising the wings' curvatures, transforms the act of opening letters into a refined art. Display as an objet d'art or employ its intended purpose on a discerning individual's desk. Its beauty and function make it a treasure for collectors, while interior designers seeking an exquisite addition to enrich spaces will find its allure irresistible. A distinctive gift for the aesthete, this artefact seamlessly marries history, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.
  • Attributed to:
    Castellani (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2.76 in (7 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)Depth: 2.37 in (6 cm)
  • Style:
    Renaissance Revival (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Onyx,Cast,Engraved,Polished
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1880
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Patination to metal. Silk velvet pad on the base has come away due to age-related glue deterioration. Some small edge indents on the wings. Scraping below the feet of the angel on the onyx sphere. Polishing build up in detailing.
  • Seller Location:
    Glasgow, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU6391237505922
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