Trapani gilt copper and coral inkwell - Italy around 1600

This exceptional set is a gilded copper and coral inkwell known as Trapani.
From the end of the Middle Ages, the city of Trapani in Sicily became an important artistic center because of its coral reefs. This port city was home to a large Israelite population, but also Christians and Muslims, who believed that coral had divine powers. In the 16 th century, this material was considered rare and precious because it was very difficult to extract. The popularity of coral also stems from the taste of the time for natural sciences and curiosity cabinets.
Until the 18 th century, the city of Trapani had workshops specialized in works in gilded copper decorated with coral and this production was exclusive to the region. On the one hand, many religious objects were developed, especially since, among Christians, coral symbolizes the blood of Christ and was attributed magical virtues. On the other hand, these objects could be profane and were destined for galleries or the ceremonial rooms of aristocratic families.
In general, the most beautiful pieces were used as diplomatic gifts and were destined for the European courts. Our set is one of these, as it bears the coat of arms of the Medici family. The period to which this object is attributed leads us to believe that it bears the coat of arms of Pope Leo XI, whose real name was Alexander Ottaviano de Medici.
A label on the back of the tray indicates that the set belonged to the collection of Antonio Virga (1923-2001). This collector from Palermo had a
particular taste for Sicilian decorative arts, more specifically from the 15th and 16th centuries. Antonio Virga distinguished himself by his willingness to
acquire objects from artistic fields that had long been considered minor and yet had long attracted interest, as well as being very beautiful pieces worthy of being exhibited in major museums.
This inkwell is a fine example of the production of coral works in Trapani.
It allows us to understand the importance of this artistic center in the 16th
century, but also its diffusion through diplomatic gifts.