This remarkable miniature carving depicts two nymphs garlanding a herm, overlooked by putti. It is a tour de force of virtuoso ivory carving on minute scale. It was made by pair of German carvers called G. Stephany and J. Dresch who worked in Bath in the 1790s. The technique, known as filigree or micro-carving, was popular in the late eighteenth century and pieces were often incorporated into jewellery or snuff boxes.
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