MCM Heavy Alabaster Decorative Grape Cluster Ornament

Heavy in the hand and warm in tone, this mid-century alabaster grape cluster is a decorative object of real tactile presence, the natural variation in the polished stone giving each individual grape a colour and patterning that no two pieces share, and the branch-style stem arranging the cluster with the kind of naturalistic confidence that characterises the best mid-century decorative stonework.

Made in the mid-century period from polished alabaster with warm amber, orange, and red-toned natural variation, this grape cluster ornament belongs to the tradition of decorative fruit and botanical objects in carved and polished stone that was popular in mid-century European and Italian interiors. Alabaster, a fine-grained form of gypsum, has been used for decorative carving since antiquity, and its translucency and warmth of tone make it particularly well suited to the representation of organic forms such as fruit and foliage. The natural banding and colour variation within the stone means that each piece is unique, and the warm amber and red-toned patterning of this example gives it a richness that polished alabaster at its best can achieve. The branch-style stem, carved to suggest a natural cutting, completes the composition with a simplicity that allows the stone itself to be the focus. The piece is in good condition throughout.

• Maker: Unknown
• Material: Polished alabaster
• Dimensions: 10 cm (H) x 21 cm (W)
• Condition: Good
• Features: Grape cluster form, branch-style stem, warm amber and red-toned natural stone variation
• Period: Mid-century modern
• SKU: CBD-0137

A characterful mid-century decorative object in polished alabaster. Pairs naturally with the Olustria hunting fox spill vase (CBD-0022) and the wider Ornaments collection.