Paperweight Pietra Dura - various semi-precious and hardstones - 19th century

A fantastic "Grand Tour" paperweight in black marble inlaid with a variety of colorful semi-precious stone, hardstones and marbles with in the center a large piece of agate which looks like mother-of-pearl. The specimen stones were most likely collected in Italy during the "Grand Tour" of an english gentleman and then mounted in black marble upon his return in England during the Victorian era . Mid-19th century. Note: this paperweight is exceptional due to its shape (most are rectangular) and the variety and beauty of the colorful stone specimens. A real collector's item !