76 - Giuseppe SARAO (active 1730-1772), attributed to

Giuseppe SARAO (active 1730-1772), attributed to A small gold- and mother-of-pearl-spotted tortoiseshell case with a rich décor of stylized shells, trellises and an Antique-style scene depicting the abduction of a woman, a chariot and putti, revealing two bottle compartments. Italian work of the 18th century Height : 8.7 ; Width : 15 cm Please note. Born in Naples in the early 18th century, the art of "piqué" is characterized by an abundant imagination and remarkable technical virtuosity. These exceptional creations combine three precious materials: tortoiseshell, gold and mother-of-pearl. Produced between 1720 and 1760, they were destined for enlightened connoisseurs and princely courts, notably Charles de Bourbon, who became King of Naples in 1734, making his kingdom one of the most sumptuous and cosmopolitan courts in Europe. The craftsmen behind these works, known as "Tartarugari", included the most illustrious, Giuseppe Sarao, whose workshop was located close to the royal palace. These master craftsmen excelled both in the art of softening, shaping and assembling tortoiseshell using boiling water and olive oil, and in the art of finely inlaying gold and mother-of-pearl, as long as the material remained supple. Bibliography. Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly, Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies and Society, 1700-1880, 2nd edition, p. 133, fig. 182 Alexis Kugel, Complètement Piqué, le Fol Art de L'Écaille a la cour de Naples, Éditions Monelle Hyot/Galerie J. Kugel, 2018, Fig. 10