Drinking set for 6 (6) - Crystal - The Visconti Family

Exclusive and refined set consisting of six crystal stems of superior quality, difficult to obtain, a remarkable example of high glassmaking craftsmanship from the late nineteenth century (full Umbertine / Historicism period). The glasses were made entirely by hand, combining the purity of the raw material with a refined wheel-cut and diamond-point engraving performed on the body of each piece. The graphic work depicts the famous Biscione heraldic emblem, historical emblem of the Duchy of Milan, flanked by the monogram with the Latin letters "F M". Historical and heraldic notes: The combination of the Visconti blazon with the initials "F M" constitutes an explicit and learned iconographic reference to Filippo Maria Visconti (1392–1447), the last Duke of Milan of the original dynasty. In the mid-19th century, Milanese aristocracy and collateral dynastic branches (such as the Visconti di Modrone) routinely commissioned ceremonial place-settings to honor the Renaissance glories of the house or to present high-profile gifts to city institutions associated with the Cathedral Fabbrica. The letter "F" could also identify the name of the 19th-century commissioner (e.g., Filippo Visconti) joined to the title or to the territorial connection with Milan ("M"). This is a private commission of the very highest level, not intended for trade, which makes this six-piece set a unique decorative artwork and extremely rare to find on the collector market. Excellent overall condition, perfectly in line with the period. The crystal retains a splendid luster. At the base of each glass is the characteristic sign of the crude pontil scar, an unequivocal testament to heat-separation from the glassmaker’s rod and to the total artisanal workmanship typical of the late nineteenth century. No restorations, no filatura.

Estimate:£0.84

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