"Venice 19th Century Engraved Bronze And Champlevé Enamel Platter With Coat Of Arms"
A very rare 19th-century or earlier engraved bronze and champlevé enamel platter depicting an allegory of Venice. The center features a medallion of the Lion of Saint Mark, while the rim displays champlevé enamel coats of arms representing several old Venetian families (who provided Doges to the city). It has a beautiful, glossy brown patina, with minor losses to the enamel. A hanging ring was later soldered to the back. The base is very finely engraved with scrolling foliage. Diameter: 29.6 cm; weight approximately 1000 grams.