Object Description
For sale is this classical silver vase by Giacinto Melillo. As with most of Melillo’s work this piece is almost certainly inspired by a Roman bowl or vase. The decoration is classic Roman/Greek with a central frieze of laurel in an art nouveau style. The laurel tied with a bow as for a Roman wreath. The bowl is marked with Melillo’s plaque to the base.
The laurel is very similar in design to that on the unmarked panther handled askos I have (see stock item A59), adding further confidence to my attribution to Melillo for that piece.
This piece is of an exceptionally heavy gauge of silver which is typical of Melillo’s work. Dating to around 1900. Condition is very good.
Giacinto Melillo was Castellani’s workshop manager from 1865 and attributed with making many of his finest pieces of jewellery. Around 1885 Melillo established his own independent business in Naples making similar revivalist classical pieces. The design of this dish is probably based on an original Etruscan or Roman piece in bronze or pottery.