This Italian photo frame was made of sand-cast pewter in Tuscany. "Sand-casting" is an ancient process by which the object to be duplicated is pressed into sticky sand, carefully removed (leaving an impression in the sand), and molten pewter is poured into the resulting depression. It is the original method of metal casting, utilized since the Bronze Age (3000 BC). Because this casting method is rather primitive (and imprecise), cast pieces are close approximations of the original, not exact duplicates. Little flaws and idiosyncrasies in the casting should be seen as imbuing "character and style" to the object.
The frame above is but one of many different sizes and styles available in the LEO Design on-line store. Click on the photo above to learn more about it—and please peruse our larger collection of pewter frame (Italian and American).
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248