Miguel Berrocal “Il Cofanetto” (Opus 123) 1969–1975 complete 88-piece gold-plated Zamak dining set for two, homage to Romeo & Juliet and the city of Verona

Miguel Berrocal “Il Cofanetto” (Opus 123) 1969–1975 complete 88-piece gold-plated Zamak dining set for two, homage to Romeo & Juliet and the city of Verona

Il Cofanetto — Miguel Berrocal, 1969–1975

A complete, 88-piece “Il Cofanetto” 321/500 signed by the Spanish sculptor Miguel Berrocal, celebrated for the puzzle sculptures he produced between 1967 and 2004 while working in Verona, Italy and nearby Negrar. Conceived as a homage to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and the city of Verona, this Renaissance-style casket disassembles into a complete gold-plated dining set for two: four candlesticks, two pairs of tall matching goblets on Corinthian-column stems, a full complement of forks, knives and spoons, a rechaud, four ashtrays, and a pair of rings — one for him, one for her — all housed within a lidded, reliquary-form casket rendered in Berrocal’s signature interlocking, biomorphic puzzle language. Corinthian columns frame each side of the casket itself, capped by a stepped, pyramid-finialed lid.

This example is complete with all 88 pieces and its original hardback book, which documents the piece’s history, gives full assembly instructions, and illustrates the production process with period photography (Verona, Romeo and Juliet costume shoot included).

A documented, freshly re-plated example

Nine pieces of this Il Cofanetto were sent to Stefano Bussola Argentatura e Doratura, in Verona — the very workshop that originally gold-plated the edition in the early 1970s — to be re-plated. Though the company has since closed, its retired owner, a master gilder, personally took on the restoration of these pieces, applying the same expertise used on the originals over fifty years ago. It’s a rare case of an edition being returned, even briefly, to the hands that made it.

Rarity

From the projected edition of 350 Il Cofanetto sculptures in gold-plated Zamak (designated by the artist to be signed and numbered 151/500 through 500/500), only 207 were executed and remain in circulation— making this one of the scarcer complete sets to appear on the market, and a significant piece for any serious Berrocal collection.

Dimensions: H 19 x W 16 x D 15 cm (H 7.5 x W 6.3 x D 5.9 in)

About the artist

Miguel Ortiz Berrocal (1933–2006) was a Spanish figurative and abstract sculptor best known for his puzzle sculptures, which disassemble into many abstract pieces and often conceal miniature artworks or jewelry, with some capable of being reassembled into different configurations. He worked in Verona and nearby Negrar from 1967 to 2004, collaborating closely with sculptural foundries, and exhibited widely across Europe, North and South America, and Japan. His work is held in prestigious collections worldwide, and a museum dedicated to him has since been founded in Málaga.

Vintage Objects would like to thank the foundation Fundación Escultor Berrocal for their  availability, assistance, dedication and kindness.

Il Cofanetto will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden case. Cost of transport to the US, Euro 675, is case included.

Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings. 

Wear consistent with age and use.

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