16th Century - Venice - Pyx In Turned, Engraved And Gilded Wood With Putto Playing The Lyre

Exceptional wooden pyx, of Venetian manufacture from the end of the16th century. In elegantly turned wood and engraved with Latin crosses and IHS trigrams, it features the original jute lining inside. It has a splendid patina that gives it a notable flavour and the engravings are inlaid in gold. These two characteristics, combined with the elegance of the turning, give a triple soul to the object: rustic, elegant and rich. In a word: unique. The bronze sculpture depicting a putto playing the lyre is the perfect complement to this masterpiece. It was created specifically for the pyx. This can be seen by observing the degrading orders of turning of the base of the putto and the top of the lid, which join at the point of union between the two elements. Magnificent and very rare object, in excellent condition. Dim. cm 12 x 12 x 25.5 H