Description by a Certified Antiquities Inspector of the Italian Tribunal of Fine Arts:

This fountain is composed of a hexagonal bowl, which sits on a pillar. The measurements are:

Bowl: each side is 58 cm/22.8 inches; diagonal is 116 cm/45.7 inches; depth is 35 cm/13.8 inches

Pillar: 77 cm/30.3 inches high

Base: 47 cm/18.5 inches on each side; 40 cm/15.7inches high

Total height: 152 cm/59.8 inches

This fountain is an outstanding work. It’s entirely made of white Carrara marble, sculpted in a beautiful and unique Renaissance style.  Based on the decorations, I estimate the bowl was sculpted in the 1700's and the pillar in the 1800's.

The exterior of the hexagonal bowl is entirely sculpted with a risen motif of acanthus leaves, alternated between shells and other small floral swirls. The shape of the exterior of the bowl is rounded. The upper edge of the bowl has a frame, and the bottom edge has a very classic motif that runs across the perimeter of the six sides.

The pillar is round and has a baluster shape. At the top, where it connects with the bowl, it has an oval motif and going down towards the center, it has vertical channels with a risen ring in the middle.

The central part of the pillar has a very unusual motif, which reveals that this outstanding piece was probably commissioned by a high clergyman. This section presents a cylinder sculpted with flower garlands and fruit. These frame a medallion that shows a Eucharistic symbol with a quarter moon on each side. The medallion itself is then superimposed on what we believe is an ancient family symbol that consists of an arrow and a hammer crossed over each other and held together by a string.

Below the central section, the bottom of the round pillar is sculpted in a curved shape where it attaches to the base. The base is square and flares on the corners at the bottom.

Each of the four sides of the base present a motif of garlands on the top, a middle decoration alternating between leaves and dolphins, and a line of beads above a line of leaves at the very bottom.

This fountain is certainly a very rare and precious item considering its age, the uniqueness and richness of its decoration, and that the marble is of the best in the world. We researched other similar items at renowned antique and marble dealers, and we believe this is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.