Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
These miniature decorative tabletop globes feature vibrant blue lapis lazuli composite oceans mapped with gold-toned latitude and longitude lines. Each country and continent is intricately hand-fitted from individually cut semi-precious stones such as jasper, jade, mother-of-pearl, and tiger's eye, coated in clear resin and mounted in brass-finished desktop stands.
Story
Centuries of Florentine pietre dure mosaic art inspired late 20th-century artisans to reconstruct modern political geography out of solid semi-precious stone.
Maker / Origin
Popularized in the late 20th century by lapidary workshops primarily in China and exported worldwide by companies like Alexander Kalifano, these globes married commercial cartography with traditional hardstone carving techniques.
Condition & Value
Both globes show bright coloration and clean stone inlay with glossy resin coatings intact. The brass-toned hardware appears slightly tarnished or dusty consistent with age and display, which has minimal impact on value.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.