Hand-Embroidered | Aspinal of London Womens The Trunk Black Velvet with Floral Hand Embroidery

Description

The exquisite hand-embroidered panel of our Floral Trunk is afaithful re-creation from an extraordinary Florentine cabinet madeat the Grand Ducal workshops in Florence at the beginning of the18th Century (1704-1705).
This superlative piece has a striking floral hand-embroideredfront panel crafted from exquisite delicate silk. Complementingthis is a back panel in soft black velvet, alongside side panels inblack croc print full-grain leather finished with a deep glassyshine. Opening our signature shield lock clasp reveals a shimmeringgrosgrain-lined interior complete with an open pouch and a zippedpocket. Gold-tone brass trimmed corners, protective base feet and abamboo-inspired gold-tone top handle provide distinctive detailing.The detachable cross-body strap can be personalised with up to fourinitials or eight characters to complete this exceptionalhandbag.
Historical Significance and Provenance:
Pietra dura is one of the elaborate ways in which Florentineworkers showed their skill in making hardstone mosaics. The centralpanel derived from sketches made by one of the greatest artists ofthe time: Giovanni Battista Foggini (1652-1725). His designs forsimilar work are contained in his journal of sketches preserved inFlorence to this day.
The magnificent cabinet was made for the daughter of Grand DukeCosimo III, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, who was married to theElector Palatine, Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz. It now forms partof the Gilbert Collection which is on loan to the V&A Museum inLondon.