Micro-carving, also known as filigree carving, emerged in the late eighteenth century and involved carving extraordinarily fine scenes in ivory, often protected under convex glass lenses that magnified the image within. They were executed with precision using simple hand tools. Allegorical tableaux were a favorite subject, and so were landscapes. Examples survive in museums and private collections, but micro-ivories are rare, especially in such a well-preserved state. Here, two are mounted in simple gold frames that don't detract from the carvings.
jMATERIALS: 14k gold (tests), steel pin, micro ivory carvings, glass lenses
AGE: c. 1780
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 1 1/4" x 7/8"