Large Antique Victorian Reverse Intaglio Essex Crystal Pug Dog Gold Stick Pin C.1880-1900. In 18ct gold with 9ct gold pin, measures 79mm long x 22.6mm cross the top, in superb original condition. Weight 10.5 grams.

 A painstakingly detailed art, the reverse intaglio is carved deeply in the flat back of a rock crystal cabochon and then painted with watercolors. The deeper the carving, the more detailed and realistic the painting in which the artist uses several tools and the finest of brushes. The first reverse intaglios were gold foil backed but to preserve the paintings, later examples were backed with mother of pearl. Portraits of different breeds of dogs were popular along with sporting and nature themes and were detailed with surrounds of diamonds or intricate gold work for lockets, brooches, cuff links and stickpins.