Vintage Italian Honey Onyx Bowl with Stone Eggs and Pear, 1970s

This lovely vintage Italian decorative stone collection, probably dating to the 1960s or 1970s, comprises a shallow footed bowl, seven polished stone eggs and a beautifully carved pear, all in warm shades of honey, cream and amber onyx. The natural banding and gentle translucency of the stone give the pieces a wonderful depth of colour, particularly where the pale ivory layers meet the richer golden tones. Decorative objects carved from onyx marble were popular in Italian interiors during the middle decades of the 20th century. Bowls, eggs and stone fruit were produced as ornaments in their own right, often displayed together on sideboards, coffee tables and dining tables. They fitted particularly well with the period's enthusiasm for natural materials and polished stone, bringing a little luxury to otherwise everyday household decoration. What I particularly like about this collection is the addition of the pear. Its slightly irregular shape and beautiful circular mineral pattern make it quite different from the smoothly rounded eggs. The little dark stem is still present, and when the pear is placed among the eggs it gives the whole arrangement a rather charming, almost playful quality. The colours work beautifully together too, with each piece showing its own variations in the stone. They make a very satisfying display, whether arranged together or used separately. The bowl stands on a short turned pedestal and has a pleasingly simple shape, allowing the natural layers of the stone to provide all the decoration. Although the pieces work particularly well together, I cannot confirm whether they were originally sold as a set or brought together later. Condition: Excellent vintage condition throughout, with no chips or cracks. The bowl, eggs and pear have been very well preserved, retaining their smooth polished surfaces and beautiful natural colouring. The variations in tone, fine mineral lines and inclusions are inherent characteristics of the stone rather than damage. The pear retains its dark stem. Collector's note: There is something very appealing about these Italian stone ornaments. They belong to a period when even the simplest decorative objects were made from substantial natural materials, and the fascination with polished stone extended to everything from ashtrays and bookends to bowls of imitation fruit. The eggs are especially pleasing because no two are exactly alike, while the pear gives this collection a little more character than the usual bowl of stone eggs. A lovely example of mid-century Italian decorative taste that still works beautifully in a contemporary interior. Worldwide Shipping: We are always happy to ship worldwide. Your piece will be packed with great care and sent tracked.