18th century silver scroll Italian fragment decorated silver leaf shells and mica on a mica mineral base in matrix. The hand-carved and hand-painted 18th century scroll fragment is originally from a church in Tuscany. The shells are painted with silver leaf to coordinate with the silver scroll fragment.
The mica mineral group includes 34 phyllosilicate minerals, all with a layered, platy texture. It has been known for millennia. "Mica” is originally a Latin word meaning “crumb" for its flaky appearance. Mica is highly reflective, and its excellent cleavage allows it to split into thin sheets. It holds a shimmery appearance that can reflect light - like nature's disco ball. This particular piece is a mica cluster in its matrix form.
The Italian church scroll fragment, silver leaf shells, and mica are put together in a sculptural form - creating a piece that appears to have evolved together over time. Interpreting the past to create a historical, yet modern piece that is entirely original, evolving in its own right.
11.5" high x 5" wide x 4.75" deep
