183

Bottle in ostrich egg, ivory and gilded bronze, Italy, 17th – 18th century

Height x width x depth: 26 x 13 x 13 cm Total weight: 480.5 g
Antique bottle with an ostrich egg body, featuring gilded bronze and elephant ivory (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797) elements.
The body, resting on a circular gilded bronze base decorated around the edge with leaf motifs, has a strongly flared neck; the upper part, also in gilded bronze, consists of a cylindrical element with a lid topped by a fastigium reminiscent of heraldic or floral shapes. On either side of the body are two handles with a floral motif, to which are attached two chains composed of circular ivory links with cylindrical terminals in Mediterranean red coral (Corallium Rubrum) that serve as a connection to the cap terminal.
The ostrich egg is an exotic material laden with symbolic meanings linked to fertility, rarity and wonder; the combination of materials refers to the Italian tradition of the 17th and 18th centuries, in particular to the productions linked to Wunderkammern and princely collections where rare and natural objects were transformed into works of art through sophisticated mountings and cultured symbolism.
The work is therefore a luxury item, without a specific practical function, but designed to amaze, evoke wonder and celebrate the beauty of nature sublimated by art.
This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate and expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union. (expertise Ce.S.Ar. 2025-202)
Provenance:
Count Luigi Rigi Luperti collection.
26/01/2026 23:19:21
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1g -24h 0m 0s
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€ 1.500,00 / 2.000,00
Estimate
600,00 €
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Live auction 369

SILVER ANTIQUES, IVORIES, WUNDERKAMMER - Including selected Works of Art from the Count Luigi Rigi Luperti Collection

Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli, thu 19 February 2026
SINGLE SESSION 19/02/2026 Hours 15:00
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