Roman Turned ‘Porfido Verde Risato’ Stone and Gilt Metal Snuff Box
A Rare Roman Turned ‘Porfido Verde Risato’ Stone and Gilt Metal Snuff Box
Circa 1780 – 1800
Size: 2cm high, 7cm dia. - ¾ ins high, 2¾ ins dia.
cf: ‘Decorative Stone’ M Price; 2007, Thames and Hudson, pg. 207
Circa 1780 – 1800
Size: 2cm high, 7cm dia. - ¾ ins high, 2¾ ins dia.
cf: ‘Decorative Stone’ M Price; 2007, Thames and Hudson, pg. 207
Containing small black sparkling phenocrysts ‘porfido verde risato’ is an igneous rock and a green porphyry. It is one of 8 similar types of the famous Greek green ‘straw’ porphyry ‘porfido verde antico’ that came from around Laconia in Greece. It was only ever found in small pieces and was dug from the ground as loose boulders of no great size whose ground colouring ranged from violet to green or nearly black. Because it is so hard it was ideal for flooring, and all types and colours of porphyry were once used to make medival cosmati pavements.
Roman Turned ‘Porfido Verde Risato’ Stone and Gilt Metal Snuff Box
SOLD
