The master craftsmen of the Victorian era have certainly demonstrated their extraordinary skills in this extremely sharp and vivid trompe l’oeil intaglio of a Newfoundland dog ready for its new home.

Originating around the mid 1800s, this style of carving is referred to as an Essex crystal (or by the English sometimes a Cook's crystal). A cabochon of clear rock crystal has been carved on the flat side and splendidly hand-painted in minute detail to capture a superb three-dimensional realistic image.

A thin backing layer of mother of pearl enhances the three dimensional effect. Astonishing details and intense naturalistic coloring add to the wonderment of the rendering of the Landseer canine. Mouth ajar, the tip of its pink tongue just visible.

The miniature art piece has been set into a 15k yellow gold mount within a beautiful double layered petaled flower motif brooch. Around the edges of the rock crystal are braided gold.

To the reverse, a locket can house a photograph or memento of hair. English in origin, it comes in an antique leather, silk and velvet box that may be original to the brooch.

The final photo is for illustration purposes only. This listing is for one brooch only.