Verde

Striking and rare, this extra large Italian micro mosaic box reveals both artistry and intrigue. Its square form, unusual among pill and snuff boxes, frames a bold bouquet of ruby-red and blush-pink roses, golden daisies, and clusters of pale blue florets, all set against a ground of rich green tesserae. The vivid palette is balanced by geometric order, each hand-cut piece of glass precisely aligned to create both symmetry and life-like vibrancy.

The gilt metal casing is enhanced by a scalloped-edge clasp of deep polished stone, a feature more often associated with 19th and early 20th-century snuff boxes than pill boxes, suggesting this piece may have served a dual purpose in its earlier days. Time has lent a gentle patina to the frame, while the mosaic itself remains luminous, the tesserae retaining their saturated hues.

Objects like this were once admired by Grand Tour travelers who sought portable pieces of Italy’s artistry, treasures that captured both function and beauty. With its larger scale and unique mechanism, this example transcends utility, offering the presence of a miniature casket, meant to hold not just keepsakes but also the romance of history itself.

• Materials: Hand-cut glass tesserae set in gilt metal pill box.
• Era: Mid-20th century (c. 1940s-50s), Italian Grand Tour revival.
• Condition: Vintage, with age-appropriate wear that speaks to its history, one missing tesserae.
• Unique: You will receive the exact box pictured, a one-of-a-kind creation.
• Size: Approximately 5cm x 4.5cm x 1.5cm (extra large)

A distinctive work of Italian craft, this box is as much a conversation piece as a container, carrying with it echoes of old-world refinement and artistry.