Overview
A beautifully polished, rectangular vide-poche or vanity tray carved from a single block of banded multi-colored onyx. The stone displays a spectacular natural landscape of swirling green, cream, rust-red, and golden-brown mineral bands, creating a miniature abstract painting formed by the Earth over millions of years.
Story
Centuries of mineral-rich water dripping through subterranean caves created this stone's dramatic bands. In the mid-20th century, artisans carved it into a sleek vanity tray, turning raw geological history into a chic everyday object.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this tray is characteristic of the highly skilled lapidary workshops of Puebla, Mexico, or Tuscany, Italy, which flourished during the mid-20th century. These regions became global hubs for carving local travertine and onyx, supplying high-end design boutiques worldwide with organic, modernist home accessories.
Condition & Value
The tray appears to be in very good vintage condition with no major chips, cracks, or deep scratches visible on the polished surface. Natural hairline fissures are inherent to the stone's geological formation and do not represent damage. Excellent preservation of the polished finish helps maintain its value.