Precious Solid Silver Writing Desk with Mechanical Bell. XIX CENTURY

Precious Solid Silver Writing Desk with Mechanical Bell. S. XIX. Decorative piece in solid silver embossed and chiseled crowned by the image of Justice and two small lateral inkwells. The entire contour of the piece is magnificently lined with elegant plant forms, shells and scrolls of beautiful workmanship. Some of the deepest parts have traces of gilding. The lobed base sits on four small legs that repeat the upper vegetal forms. This magnificent piece consists of an incredible central sculpture with the image of justice. Under the figure is a little lever that serves to operate a bell to call the service. On this piece is engraved the stamp "800" that indicates the thousandths of pure silver of the piece. Genuine piece, with all its original parts and above all of very beautiful workmanship. The writing desk is the name given to a set of items for writing that were placed on the desk or office table. It did not appear as a piece of desk furniture until the 15th century and, in any case, it would not be a very common piece until the 17th century. It consisted of a few basic parts that varied from one example to another: inkwell, quill, sand-tray or glass with sand to dry the writing, bell to ring and a small knife or letter opener. According to Greek mythology, as the superior goddess of Olympus, TEMIS / JUSTICE was born from the union between Uranus and Gaea. Themis, the goddess of Law, belongs to the race of the Titans. As goddess of the eternal laws, she is among the divine wives of Zeus, second only to Metas. With Zeus, Themis begot the virgin Astrea, personification of Justice. Mythographers and philosophers have imagined Themis as the personification of Justice or the eternal Law and advisor of Zeus. The image of justice is usually represented by a lady dressed in Greek garb holding in one hand the scales on which the Law is weighed and in the other the sword, which serves to make it effective. The sword, without the scales, is brute force, and the scales without the sword, is Law in its impotence. The two objects must be present for them to complete each other. Precious piece of great quality perfect for decorating an office. Measures: 21 x 29 x 22 cm. Weight of the silver: 1000 gr.