Covered Urn, Turned Serpentine Stone, 19th Century,

This truncated conical pot, threaded in engraving, with a retracted and turned lid, seems ordinary, but it is hollowed out in a single block of stone known as "serpentine". Separation of tin between the cover and the contents .... This fine stone, in the 16th and 17th century, had a reputation for changing color on contact with any poison. Here is a text taken from the Encyclopedia, 1751: "Serpentine is found mainly in Zoeblitz in Misnia; this is why it has sometimes been called marmor zoeblicense. The ease with which this stone is cut means that it shaped an infinity of vessels, boxes, writing cases, & c. which are transported very far. It was formerly the prejudice to believe that the serpentine had the virtue of detecting poisons; but no one should be advised to 'experience it ..... "
On the detail photos you will see the pleasant underlying coloration in the nicely polished brown background. Our covered pot,  hand tool worked, (see photos) dates from the 19th century, is in very good condition,
it weighs 720gr, measures 13.5cm x 9.5cm. 
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