$62.00
Beautiful Florentine box with a decoupaged print of the city of Pienza’s “pietra dura” Coat of Arms which located in Florence’s Medici Chapel of the Princes (see history below). The decoupage is so well done that at first glance the print looks like actual stone or even porcelain. I’ve come across many Florentine boxes, and this is the most unusual and interesting one I’ve ever found. The coat of arms features a lion and the motto “Pientiae Civitas” (City of Piety). The exterior of the wooden box is gilded and etched in the traditional Florentine manner with scrolls and geometric designs. The interior is painted white and the underside is marked “Made in Italy.” The box measures 5-7/8″ long x 4″ wide x 1.75″ tall. It opens flat from one of the narrow ends and is in excellent preowned vintage condition. A little treasure. Perfect for shelf styling, addition to a collection, or for storing keepsakes or small pieces of jewelry.
1 in stock
HISTORY (form online sources): This version of Pienza’s coat of arms is located in the Medici Chapel of the Princes and made of “pietra dura” consisting of marbles, quartz, mother-of-pearl, alabaster, jasper, lapis lazuli, coral, porphyry and various granites. Pienza was one of the 16 main Tuscan cities dependent on Florence and pledging allegiance to the Medicis. The 16 coat of arms form the supports of the octagonal chapel. The Chapel is part of the monumental San Lorenzo complex which includes the Basilica of San Lorenzo and houses the tombs of 50 members of the Medici family. It’s unique in its kind by the beauty and grandeur of its architecture, highlighted by the decorative richness of its marbles and polychrome stones. Its aesthetic success is intimately linked to the Florentine artistic culture, which relies here on traditional local know-how, such as hard stone marquetry. This chapel was also designed on the plans of Tuscan baptisteries, such as those of Pisa or Florence, with an octagonal central plan visually accentuated by the rhythm given by the two columns surrounding each of the Medici princes’ massive stone sarcophagi.
SHIPPING: $8 flat rate shipping valid only for street addresses within contiguous United States; we cannot deliver to post office boxes. For shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and elsewhere, please contact us with your location for a custom shipping quote.
A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.” As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability. Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift. All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof.
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Customer has up to 30 days unless vendor opts out of return policy per item to return a product for any reason such as damaged item, size, or unhappiness with product upon arrival. Read our full return policy.
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!
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Your Review
danicatheracecardriver –
Wonderful experience, meticulous packaging!
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!