Mounted Coconut, Late 18th Century

The craze for cabinets of curiosities did not cease at the end of the French Renaissance and continued – to a lesser extent – in the following centuries. The taste for exoticism in the second half of the 18th century revived this curiosity for products that crossed the world to reach France. The coconut thus remains a popular curiosity for which we do not shrink from any beauty treatment! Evidenced by this goldsmith’s mount which, if it is more modest than that of the Renaissance, still presents charming turquoises set in brass plates. The contrast between the dark bark and the luminosity of the semi-precious stone is of the most beautiful effect!