Cup in malachite veneer

This coupe, dating to around 1860, features a bowl made of Russian malachite with a rich emerald green hue. The malachite surface is inlaid, showcasing a sophisticated "butterfly wing" design, a symmetrical and aesthetic arrangement of the stone's natural patterns. The bowl rests on a finely chiseled and sculpted gilt bronze structure. The base is adorned with floral motifs, scrollwork, and four radiant faces.
This object is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of both the bronzesmith and the lapidary of the time.