A pair of silver-plated mounted painted Emu eggs, 19th century

Height x width x depth: 34.5 x 28.5 x 14 cm. Weight: 1184 g.

Mounted on a wooden base, surrounded by floral decorations and topped with a central emu figure, the two Emu eggs (Dromaius novaehollandiae) are suspended and pierced in a way that allows them to move, while remaining securely fixed. Both eggs are painted, and on the central part of each is a faunal scene: one features a kangaroo, the other a peacock with its tail closed.
These creations fall into the category of “exotic curiosities” or colonial souvenirs, highly valued during the Victorian era, when the British Empire had strong ties with Australia. The peacock, in particular, was a Victorian symbol of beauty and vanity, while the kangaroo evoked Australia, seen as an exotic and mysterious land.

This lot, accompanied by an expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union.