Antique Carved Coral Horse Stickpin
Italian artists are known the world over for their carving skills. Here is a grand representation of those abilities with coral as the medium. Hand sculptured in profile is the head of a horse that has been mounted on a 9k rose gold stickpin with two incised twists. With its flailing nostrils, mouth open and eyes seething fire, the scene of an ancient Roman chariot race is brought to mind. Carefully finished down to the last hairs in the mane, the craftsmanship is captivating.
Measures 1-1/8 inches (5.6 cm) in total length. The horse head measures 7/8 of an inch by more than 3/8 of an inch (2.2 cm by 1.1 cm). In very good condition; natural variations to the coral; some embedded patina or darkened areas; head slightly rotates but is secure on the stickpin. Dates to circa 1880 and is Italian in origin.
