Jasper Flask
by SARACCHI brothers, Jasper, sardonic, pearls, rubies, gold, enamel and gilded metal, 28 x 24 cm
The flask is in the form of a pair of coupled seashells, fastened together by a wide band of gold decorated with acanthus leaves and pearls, a cameo representing the head of a female Moor is set centrally, in a gold mount of scroll motifs with enamel decorations and rubies.
The main theme of the piece is that of the seashell, which is connected with the French Royal House from an heraldic point of view. The commission for it probably came from a member of the French royalty.