An Italian gold and gem-set ebony Blackamoor, Mark of Giulio Nardi, Venice, 20th Century. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2011 

18K, the head carved in ebony with gold and pearl earrings, the turban with a diamond-set aigrette, the coat and turban set with stones, including emeralds, rubies, sapphires, moonstones, opals, tourmalines, garnets, chalcedony, citrine, peridot, turquoises and topazes, the cloak opening to reveal a scene of a Venetian canal, with a sliding group of gondolas and a float also set with gemstones, with San Giorgio Maggiore in the distance, below the scene a Doge's hat, or corno ducale, within fretwork, signed G. Nardi 750; 9½ in. (24 cm.) high. Price Realized $52,500

PROPERTY FROM A EUROPEAN COLLECTION

Provenance: Sotheby's, Geneva, 16 May 1984, lot 569 

Christie's. IMPORTANT ENGLISH, CONTINENTAL AND AMERICAN SILVER AND GOLD. 17 May 2011. New York, Rockefeller Plaza - www.christies.com