Serpentine tazza, Grand Tour souvenir, circa 1700.

The oval serpentine basin features, at either end of its rim, two beautifully carved salamanders, appearing to climb into the bowl to drink. The underside of the basin is carved with an egg-and-dart motif radiating from the center of the foot.
Such pieces were highly prized by Grand Tour travelers, evoking the historic sites and natural beauties discovered during their journeys, particularly in Tuscany, where serpentine stone was abundant.
The basin was remounted in the late 19th century on a serpentine stem in order to enhance its presentation.