A Near Pair of Lapis Lazuli Obelisks

A Near Pair of Lapis Lazuli Obelisks.

Veneered with the rare and semi-precious deep blue lapis admired for its intense colour, each obelisk with Carrara marble bases and moulding.
Probably Venetian, circa 1870.

Lapis lazuli, along with other valuable hardstones like porphyry, amethyst, jasper, and agate, held a position of high demand as luxury items from the late 18th Century onwards. Among those who passionately admired and avidly collected such precious materials was the duc d'Aumont (1709-1782), the premier gentilhomme ordinaire de la Chambre du Roi. He established a workshop within the Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs du Roi dedicated to the cutting and polishing of hardstones and precious marbles. An enduring testament to the enduring allure of lapis lazuli is exemplified by a pair of ormolu-mounted lapis vases, previously owned by Baron Basile de Schlichting and now part of the collection at the Musée du Louvre.

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