A gold 'millefiori' brooch, by Castellani, circa 1860
The circular plaque, its centre of bombé design depicting a cluster of flowerheads, within a circular frame of circular and twisted wirework, applied maker's monogram to reverse, diameter 2.9cm
FOOTNOTES
Castellani's popular millefiori designs, composed of elaborate circular projections of soldered flowers, often incorporated birds and putti. Smaller versions, like this, were used as buttons or bracelet links.
For further reference see the catalogue "Castellani and Italian Archaeological Jewelry", The Bard Graduate Center, 2004, New York, p.39.
Bonhams