A fine, Victorian-era, reverse painted intaglio pendant, modeled in 14k yellow gold, whose subject is a collared bulldog, with distinctive markings and a sweet, very expressive face! Our pouty canine’s likeness was carved into the backside of this high-domed crystal— the recessed areas were then painted with a tiny, hair-fine brush. This technique creates an amazing illusion of depth, that can be experienced from all angles. The “Essex crystal” art form is more or less lost to time, and the quality of these little pet portraits varies widely. This artist is extremely talented, and the subject is a real heartbreaker! This bulldog portrait sits on a luminous mother of pearl ground. Thecrystal is mounted in a smooth bezel. The pendant hangs from a large, oval bail. Marked 14k for purity, and with the maker's five-pointed star.

Materials

14k gold
Crystal
Pigment

Age

c. 1900

Dimensions

Total drop, including bail, is approx 15/16"; bezel measures approx 14.5 mm (about 3/5").