Small Agate Footed Cup With Gilt Copper Mount - Germany - 18th Century

A small baluster-shaped cupresting on a flared foot, carved from banded agate in shades of brown, reddish, and gray-green, displaying beautiful natural veining. The bowl is mounted in a finely worked gilt copper mount, adorned with an engraved decoration of scrolls and stylized flowers on the base. The upper rim is highlighted by a scalloped frieze. The stem is composed of several turned agate and gilt metal elements, joined by a central screwed rod, a construction characteristic of small cabinet objects of the 18th century. An 18th-century work, probably German, in the style of the curiosities and display pieces produced in German workshops, where the use of hard stones mounted in gilt metal was particularly prized. Good overall condition with normal wear to the gilding and a small restoration to the foot.