A quietly theatrical object, and one that doesn’t need much introduction once you’ve held it.
This is a particularly generous example of the Italian marble grape motif — oversized, weighty, and convincingly tactile. The fruit is carved from solid stone spheres, each one slightly different in tone, ranging from soft chalky whites through to warmer, honeyed and grey-veined marbles. The variation gives it life; it avoids the uniformity that can make lesser examples feel decorative rather than sculptural.
Set against a natural wood stem, there’s a pleasing tension between refinement and something more rustic. The branch feels almost found, while the marble has that cool, deliberate finish — a pairing that’s very much of its time.
These pieces tend to sit somewhere between object and still life. On a table or shelf, they do the job of both: part sculpture, part quiet visual punctuation.
A good one — and larger than most you’ll come across.
Details
Vintage Italian marble grapes
Carved marble spheres on natural wood stem
Likely mid to late 20th century
Condition: Good vintage condition with natural wear consistent with age. Minor surface marks and variation to the marble as expected; stem with natural irregularities
Dimensions:
Length: 32 cm
Depth: 14 cm
Delivery
Qualifies as a smaller item. UK delivery via insured courier/FedEx at checkout; international shipping available—ask for a quote.
