Butchoff Antiques, a founding member of LAPADA, the London Association of Art & Antiques Dealers, will be exhibiting a rare sized Tazza at the LAPADA Fair in Berkeley Square from the 21st-25th September. Butchoff Antiques, established in 1964, are leading dealers in 18th and 19th century exhibition furniture, and are sought after by dealers, decorators and private clients worldwide.

A tazza is most commonly used as a small drinking vessel or to serve small items of food; however, this ample piece, created in 1840 by Benedetto Boschetti, is simply for show. Benedetto Boschetti is known for his use of classical subjects and bronze sculpture. In 1851 he won a medal and exhibited two of his mosaic tables, at the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace.

This rotating tazza is carved in Marmoro Rosso Antico marble which was in ancient times, quarried from Matapan, south west Greece. The rich burgundy colour of this marble encouraged Greek & Roman sculptors to carve statues of Dionysius/Bacchus, the god of wine. In this instance however, Boschetti has carved the head of Medusa into the body of the tazza and dressed the two wrythen handles with foliates, with a ‘egg & dart’ moulded rims, and a dished interior.