Vase with dragon-shaped lid
by SARACCHI brothers, Grigioni jasper, molten gold, engraved and enameled, pearls and rubies, height 21 cm
The vase stands on a circular foot, with engraved gold band and enameled racemes, decorated with three pearls and three rubies. The stem, which has two connecting joints in gold, decorated with floral motifs in opaque and translucent enamels, supports a shell-shaped cup with an elaborate dragon-shaped lid, with head, wings and tails carved all round and secured to the body with gold ligatures. The dragon’s back is carved with another fantastic animal in relief. It is similar to a dolphin and acts as a handhold on the lid.
This elegant piece is thought to be the work of the Saracchi workshop in Milan. Expert crystal cutters and goldsmiths, the Saracchi brothers (Giovanni Ambrogio, Simone, Stefano, Michele, and Raffaello) were engaged in creating elaborate vases with extravagant shapes of birds, fish and fantastic animals that were greatly appreciated at the elegant Italian courts of the Gonzaga, Medici and Savoy families.