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Italian silver-plated crab-form caviar dish attributed to Franco Lapini

Creator: Franco Lapini (Attributed)
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Italian silver-plated crab-form caviar dish attributed to Franco Lapini
Italian, c. 1970
Height 9cm, width 26cm, depth 24cm

This sensational caviar dish takes the form of a large crab, and is a wonderfully quirky collector’s item. Expert craftsmanship can be seen in the moulding: the legs of the crab have been evocatively carved to recreate the scaly texture, and even the underside of the model has been designed to replicate the animal’s anatomy. The hinged top is inset with two blue glass eyes, and the top opens to reveal a deep navy glass inner dish.

The model is attributed to the Florentine silversmith Franco Lapini, who was known for creating refined pieces inspired by the eclecticism of 16th century Florentine tableware. The Lapini workshop to this day continues to create pieces for an elite international clientele.

The piece is marked ‘RR’ and with a rubbed ‘Almazan’ mark on the underside.

A highly similar model was sold at Sotheby’s in 2020 for £7,560.

Filled with charming character, this piece recalls the Renaissance whimsy that inspired Lapini, and would make a wonderful addition to any collection of antiques.

Artist/Maker: Franco Lapini

More Information

Origin:	Italy
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Glass, silvered metal.
Creation Date:	1970
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century
Dealer Reference #:	17528
Incollect Reference #:	696038

Dimensions

W.	10.24 in;	H.	3.54 in;	D.	9.45 in;
W.	26 cm;	H.	9 cm;	D.	24 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.