Playful Companions: A Rare Buccellati Sterling Silver Sculpture of Nine Mice
$94,600.00
- Playful Companions: A Rare Mario Buccellati Sterling Silver Sculpture of Mice on Desert Rose Crystal Base.
- This exceptional and rare Buccellati sculpture features nine meticulously crafted sterling silver mice, animated with extraordinary vitality and placed upon a dramatic base of desert rose crystal quartz\. Each mouse is individually hand-engraved using Buccellati’s celebrated furry technique, a process that involves thousands of fine cuts to create the illusion of soft, naturalistic fur. The result is astonishingly lifelike — every strand of silver seems to ripple with movement, and each figure is given a distinct personality, from alert sentinels to curious foragers.
- The mice’s delicate details are masterworks in themselves: their bright eyes, finely wrought whiskers, curling tails, and twitching ears bring an immediacy and playfulness to the group. Together, they form a dynamic scene frozen in time, their interaction with one another heightening the sense of narrative and charm.
- The crystalline base, composed of richly textured desert rose quartz, provides a striking natural contrast to the polished silver. Its layered, flower-like formations not only frame the mice but also enhance the sculpture’s sculptural drama, evoking the impression of a miniature landscape or rocky outcrop. The warm, earthy tones of the stone deepen the silvery sheen of the figures, creating a harmonious balance between organic material and silversmithing mastery.
- This work exemplifies the house’s unparalleled ability to transform sterling silver into living sculpture. Whimsical yet majestic, it is a celebration of nature, imagination, and virtuoso craftsmanship. This example is a true collector’s piece, commanding attention not only for its technical brilliance but also for its rarity and scale.
- Buccellati’s animal sculptures have long been considered among the firm’s most coveted creations, combining Old World tradition with modern artistry. This composition embodies that legacy at its very finest: rare, dramatic, and utterly unique. A true statement work, it is destined for a collector who values narrative, artistry, and the exceptional.
- 9″ high x 19″ wide x 12″ deep
- Very good condition. Signed throughout.
