411 - CHILLERI Malachite, silver, and 18-carat gold casket with sculptural relief decorations.

CHILLERI Malachite, silver, and 18-carat gold casket with sculptural relief decorations. Florence, late 1970s Height x width x depth: 7.5 x 15 x 20 cm. Weight: 2569 g An exquisite rectangular casket, crafted from panels of natural malachite, characterized by rich green hues and striking concentric banding, set within a silver structure featuring molded frames and decorative elements in 18-carat gold.The casket rests on four distinctive gold feet, finely modeled in the shape of tortoises, while the corners are embellished with gilded ornamental elements in the shape of elongated drops.The hinged lid features an elaborate high-relief figurative composition, executed in cast gold and silver elements, displaying remarkable sculptural richness and meticulous craftsmanship. In the foreground, the central scene depicts several figures gathered around a wooden structure with a canopy roof, engaged in conversation and interaction. Additional groups of figures appear in the background, while numerous animals are distributed along the sides, portrayed in a variety of poses and postures. The composition is dominated by a large gilded triangular area, crisscrossed by converging geometric lines and populated by small birds in flight, creating a striking impression of depth and radiating light.The central scene is flanked by two vertical silver friezes, embellished with gilded figures set within architectural niches, shell motifs, and foliate ornaments. The entire composition is enclosed within an elegant silver frame featuring moldings and foliate decorations, alternating with bands of malachite that showcase the stone’s characteristic green veining.The interior of the casket, accessible through the hinged lid, is entirely lined with a light-colored metal, featuring smooth, polished surfaces. The lower edge of the central figurative plaque bears the engraved inscription “ORAF. G. J. CHILLERI – SCULT. S. MASINI,” identifying, respectively, the goldsmith and the sculptor involved in the creation of the work. Produced in Florence toward the end of the 1970s, the casket represents an interesting example of collaboration between goldsmithing and sculpture, combining precious materials and ornamental stones with an elaborate figurative decoration.The casket comes with its original presentation case, covered on the outside with brown fabric and lined on the inside with ivory-colored satin, featuring a gilt monogram stamped on the inside of the lid. Materials: Natural malachite, silver, and 18-karat gold. The inscription on the piece, “ORAF. G. J. CHILLERI - SCULT. S. MASINI,” attests to a prestigious artistic collaboration between high-end goldsmithing and 20th-century Florentine sculpture. The abbreviation “ORAF.” refers to the historic Chilleri family goldsmith’s workshop in Florence, renowned for its masterful craftsmanship in precious metals and the carving of semiprecious stones, which was responsible for the design, the silver setting, the malachite structure, and the assembly of the piece. The inscription “SCULT.” identifies the sculptor S. Masini as the creator of the figurative design and the original sculptural model for this complex high-relief plaque. Item condition rating: **** good. The lot is in good condition, with normal wear and defects commensurate with its age and use over time.