Viennese silver-gilt, agate, and opal-encrusted tazza

Viennese silver-gilt, agate, and opal-encrusted tazza
Austrian, Late 19th Century
Height 9cm, width 8cm, depth 6cm
 
This superb tazza combines a silver-gilt base with a fluted agate dish. Oval in shape, the agate is of a pleasing deep red colour, that superbly contrasts the shining gilded silver below.
 
The bowl is supported by an openwork dish, which alternates oval garnets and opals with charming silver-gilt putti. The underside of the support is engraved with foliate designs. Holding up the agate dish and support is a small kneeling figure, who is surrounded by a scrollwork fence that is decorated with further gemstones and cherubs.
 
The entire composition sits on a lobed quatrefoil base, which is adorned with repoussé decoration that mirrors the designs on the underside of the bowl’s support. The base is similarly decorated with applied gemstones. The piece stands on four, winged cherubim feet.
 
With its sweet size and luxurious materials, this is a highly desirable piece of antique Viennese craftsmanship.