AN ITALIAN SHELL CAMEO INSET RED JASPER AND 900 STANDARD SILVER-GILT LA PIETÀ CANE Marked for Carlo Agostino Balbino, Turin, Italy, mid-19th century The terminal with an inset carved white shell cameo depicting Mary cradling a slain Jesus whose hand is being held by a putto above five graduated foliate silver-gilt foliate decorated ribs alternating with five jasper panels incised STABAT MATER DOLOROSA IUXTA CRUCEM (The Mother of Sorrow weeps beside the cross), above a silver-gilt gold collar with inset red jasper beads, on a Malacca shaft pierced twice for a tassel with silver-gilt eyelets and a metal ferrule. height overall 34 1/2in (87.7cm); height of 3in (7.6cm); diameter 2in (5.1cm) Footnotes: Carlo Agostino Balbino (1777-1824, master 1798) was the founder of the primary silver manufacturer of Turin, Italy. Balbino's workshop was the main supplier to the Royal House of Savoy, and its silverware is present in the collection of the Royal Palace Museum in Turin and the Quirinale Palace in Rome. The firm participated in the 'Esposizione dei Prodotti dell'Industria' in Turin in 1838 and in the 'Esposizione Nazionale di Torino' 1858. Provenance Il Segno del Tempo, Milan; Collection of Eddi Van Auken, California, purchased from the above January 2020. Literature Van Auken, Eddi. Masterpieces: The Eddi Van Auken Collection of Antiques Walking Sticks and Canes. Silvia Editrice, Milan, 2025, pages 94-95, number 54. (illustrated) Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: Y Y Lot has been identified at the time of cataloguing as made of or containing certain restricted plant or animal material such as tortoiseshell, coral, whalebone, Brazilian rosewood or certain types of reptilian or other exotic skins, fur or feathers woods that may be subject to import or export restrictions or may otherwise require the granting of one or more export or import licenses or certificates, or that may be subject to similar restrictions regulating intrastate or interstate transport or trade within the United States at the state or federal level, or may be banned from export or import altogether by some countries. Please refer to paragraph 10 in the Conditions of Sale or to the Specialist Department managing the auction for details. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing