Charming antique miniature lute, made of tortoiseshell, richly decorated with inlays of mother-of-pearl, brass and silver-plated metal.
This small, delicate, finely crafted instrument is more of a display object or cabinet of curiosities piece than a functional instrument, but it could also have been intended for a collector's dollhouse.
The soundboard is adorned with delicate inlaid decoration, combining geometric and floral motifs, while the neck features mother-of-pearl markers. The existing strings are essentially decorative.
The whole piece bears witness to meticulous craftsmanship, typical of curiosity objects from the late 19th or very early 20th century.
Please note: the back shell shows some cracks, characteristic of old tortoiseshell and due to time and natural variations in the material. These cracks do not detract from the charm or authenticity of the object and have been taken into account in the price.
A very beautiful decorative object, rare and poetic, intended for lovers of antique musical objects, miniatures, and cabinets of curiosities.
Period: late 19th – early 20th century
Materials: tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, brass, silver-plated metal
Dimensions: length 10 cm, width 3.5 cm (body), neck width 1.6 cm
Weight: 24 g
Condition: good antique condition, with visible cracks on the back of the shell
Free delivery to a relay point in Belgium and France.
Fast and careful shipping.