Hand Basin
Sicily, Trapani
1650s-1680s
The Hermitage has a small but interesting collection of items decorated with coral. They were mainly produced in the Sicilian town of Trapani, whose craftsmen throughout the 17th century made icons, holy water stoups, cups and sculptural groups from gilt copper with coral inserts forming an ornamental pattern. The items were decorated with applied ornament in bronze or silver and with enamelled scenes. These unusual works are distinguished by their vivid colouring.
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