Microsculpture representing a flower basket.
Piedmontese School, Late XVIII Century.


This remarkable pearwood centerpiece, measuring 31 x 24 x 16.5 cm, is a true tour de force of microscopic carving, exhibiting an extraordinary level of technical skill and artistic refinement.

The piece features an intricately pierced bowl, adorned with an elaborate naturalistic composition of intertwined vines, leaves, and fruit clusters, masterfully executed to create an impression of lightness and fluidity. The base and stem, richly decorated with acanthus motifs and fine detailing, reflect the stylistic elegance of late 18th-century French craftsmanship.

The design and execution of this work closely resemble the virtuosic carvings of Aubert Henri Joseph Parent (1753-1835), a celebrated French sculptor known for his microscopic wood carvings. A similar design for a bowl, attributed to Parent and dated 1784, is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, while other signed works, including an intricate still-life panel, can be found in Versailles and the Metropolitan Museum.

This exquisite piece stands as a testament to the unparalleled artistry of French 18th-century decorative arts, making it a prestigious addition to any collection of fine wood carvings and historical objets d’art.

Cm 25 x 18 x 31(H).