The Piece

Italian Pietra Dura Marble Coaster Set with Holder
Polychrome inlaid stone (marble, hardstone)
Mid-20th century
Italy

A refined Italian pietra dura coaster set featuring hand-cut floral stone inlay, housed in its original carved marble holder. The set includes multiple round coasters, each inlaid with stylized blossoms and foliage rendered in richly colored hardstones against a pale stone ground.

Pietra dura, a technique perfected in Italy and rooted in Renaissance decorative arts, involves the precise cutting and fitting of semi-precious and hard stones to create detailed images with painterly depth. While historically associated with Florentine workshops, the technique continued into the 20th century for luxury decorative objects intended for elegant domestic use.

This set reflects that tradition—functional, sculptural, and quietly luxurious.

Design & Craftsmanship

Each coaster is individually inlaid by hand, with floral motifs composed of contrasting stones selected for natural color variation and veining. The imagery is crisp and balanced, with careful attention to symmetry and proportion. The surrounding stone body is smoothly polished, giving the set a satisfying weight and tactile presence.

The matching holder is carved from the same pale stone and designed to cradle the coasters seamlessly, creating a cohesive object when not in use.

This is not mass-market souvenir work. It is decorative craftsmanship made for refined interiors.

Historical Context

Mid-century Italian decorative stonework often revisited classical techniques like pietra dura for small-scale luxury objects—desk accessories, tableware, and gift pieces intended for export or private commission. These works bridged traditional craftsmanship with modern domestic life, making them both practical and collectible.

The handwritten inventory marking on the underside is consistent with estate or shop cataloging and does not detract from the piece.

Condition

Very good vintage condition.

• All coasters intact and structurally sound

• Inlay work remains tight with no losses observed

• Minor surface wear and light patina consistent with age and gentle use

• Holder shows natural stone variation and faint marks appropriate to material

Overall, the set presents beautifully and is fully usable.

Why It Belongs in Your Home

This is the kind of object that elevates a table without announcing itself.

Placed on a coffee table, bar cart, or desk, it adds:

• Texture and weight

• Color without clutter

• Old-world craftsmanship in a modern context

It works equally well in traditional interiors and contemporary spaces that benefit from contrast and material richness. Even when not in use, the set reads as a sculptural accent.

Details

• Origin: Italy

• Period: Mid-20th century

• Materials: Marble and hardstone (pietra dura inlay)

• Includes: Matching stone holder and multiple coasters

• Condition: Very good vintage condition

• Ready for use or display