An Orientalist? style bronzed and polychrome desk accessory, possibly an inkwell base or lamp component. The central figure depicts a seated male snake charmer in traditional robes, a turban, and red pointed shoes, playing a pungi to a coiled snake emerging from a basket. The scene is set upon an integral cast bronze rug featuring detailed geometric patterns in red, yellow, and green pigments. Behind the figure stands a cast element modelled as a gnarled tree trunk with a textured bark finish. A threaded metal post with a knurled cap protrudes from the top of the tree trunk, indicating this was originally part of a larger assembly. The entire group is mounted on a rectangular polished black and white figured marble plinth. The piece exhibits the characteristics of late 19th or early 20th-century Austrian manufacture, though no maker’s name or signatures are legible.
Base Length: 15 cm
Base Width: 8.5 cm
Height: 11 cm.
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