This charming set of 'The Four Seasons' dates to the late 1960s and was manufactured in Milan, Italy. The set which retains its original fitted box comprises a small square plinth encased with slices of malachite atop of which sit a figure, each representing one of the four seasons. The figures along with a gilt foot-rim are crafted from .800 purity silver (800 out of 1000 parts pure silver) and are parcel-gilt in some areas and purposefully oxidized in others. The figures to the underside are stamped for their metal purity, along with an Italian hallmark allowing us to know they were crafted in Italy by a maker called Luigi Cervone. This particular mark for Cervone was only used from 1968 up until his retirement in 1970, allowing us to date the set to between 1968 and 1970. The four are in exceptionally good condition, retain their box and appear to have been virtually never displayed. The quality of the malachite slices is excellent with this particular quality now rarely available. A beautiful gift for someone who adores the rich malachite colour, or a beautiful addition to a finely laid dinner table.
Measures - 8.5cm in height (figures)