19th Century Continental Gilt Bronze & Mother-of-Pearl Tazza

An extraordinary antique Continental tazza, possibly French and dating to the 19th century, featuring a luminous mother-of-pearl bowl supported by an incredibly intricate gilt bronze sculptural base. A beautiful marriage of natural materials and elaborate metalwork, this piece is filled with enchanting details that reveal themselves upon closer inspection.

The shallow mother-of-pearl bowl displays gorgeous iridescent shades of champagne, blush pink, lavender, and soft green, beautifully framed by an engraved bronze rim featuring delicate floral motifs. At either end, two wonderfully detailed birds perch upon gracefully curved branches, appearing almost as though they have just landed beside the bowl.

The gilt bronze pedestal is particularly remarkable, fashioned as an elaborate arrangement of twisting branches, unfurling leaves, and naturalistic foliage. Look closely at the base and you’ll discover tiny sculpted lizards climbing among the branches, a wonderfully unexpected detail that makes this piece especially captivating. The entire composition rests upon a substantial rectangular black stone base, providing a striking contrast to the warm gilding and luminous shell.

An exquisite example of 19th-century decorative artistry, this tazza would make a spectacular centerpiece, vanity display, or addition to a collection of unusual antique objects. Its combination of birds, hidden creatures, and botanical ornament gives it an almost whimsical, storybook quality.

Measures approximately 8.5” W × 3.75” D × 6.375” H

We sell vintage items that may have been previously used and may show signs of wear. Please review pictures closely. All sales are final.