An Italian Silver "Naturalistic" Fruit Basket Centerpiece Bowl and Cover, Mario Buccellati, Milan, 20th century.

An Italian Silver "Naturalistic" Fruit Basket Centerpiece Bowl and Cover, Mario Buccellati, Milan, 20th century. photo courtesy Sotheby's

the oval basket centerpiece formed of woven bands, the lift-off cover realistically modeled as a mound of fruit, nuts and leaves including grape bunches dates, figs, lemons, apples, pears, walnuts and almonds, the handle formed as grapevine; center of bowl marked M. Buccellati, underside of cover applied with signature plaque of Mario Buccellati, with original blue presentation box; length 47cm; weight 5878g - Estimate 20,000—30,000 USD. Lot Sold 43,750 USD

Important English & Continental Silver & Objects of Vertu, 21 Oct 10. New York www.sothebys.com