Nuovocreations by Matassa Antonio Italian Silver-Plated Bomboniere or Giftware Bowl
Decorative Object / Hollowware (Bomboniere) · Matassa Antonio, operating under the brand 'Nuovocreations'. Based in Italy, this maker focuses on decorative giftware including lamps, bonbonnières (bomboniere), and perfumes.
Pattern: Contemporary Italian Giftware; specific pattern is unstated, likely part of an 'Artigianale' (artisanal) mass-market collection.
Type
Decorative Object / Hollowware (Bomboniere)
Maker
Matassa Antonio, operating under the brand 'Nuovocreations'. Based in Italy, this maker focuses on decorative giftware including lamps, bonbonnières (bomboniere), and perfumes.
Material
Likely Silver-Plated Base Metal (EPNS or similar). The foil label suggests a commercial giftware item rather than solid sterling silver. The visible oxidation and surface texture are consistent with silver plate.
Dimensions
Estimated small tabletop size, approximately 10-15 cm in diameter. Light weight consistent with thin-walled decorative silver-plated alloy.
Description
A decorative silver-plated vessel produced by Matassa Antonio's 'Nuovocreations'. These items were ubiquitous in Italian culture as commemorative gifts for weddings, baptisms, and anniversaries. The piece features an antiqued silver finish designed to mimic historic Italian silver styles without the high cost of solid precious metal.
Key Features
Distinguished primarily by its original 'Nuovocreations' foil label which identifies the specific Italian manufacturer and the item's intended use as a 'bomboniere' or ceremonial gift.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver-Plated Base Metal (EPNS or similar). The foil label suggests a commercial giftware item rather than solid sterling silver. The visible oxidation and surface texture are consistent with silver plate.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized or antiqued silver finish with cast decorative elements. The item features a 'bomboniere' style, which in Italy implies a small decorative container used for sugared almonds at ceremonies.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No traditional stamped hallmarks (like the Italian 'lozenge' mark for sterling) are visible. Instead, there is a gold-tone foil adhesive label reading: 'Vasto Ass. Lampadari - Regalo - Bomboniere - Profumi / Nuovocreations di Matassa Antonio'.
Construction Details
Likely machine-pressed or cast from a base metal alloy, then silver-plated. The application of a paper/foil label indicates modern industrialized production rather than hand-wrought silversmithing.
Functional Features
Open vessel design intended for holding confections, potpourri, or serving as a decorative shelf piece (bomboniere).
Handle & Grip Details
None visible in the primary detail shot; likely features integrated leaf or scroll cast edges.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade production. The finish is applied via electroplating. The detailing is cast rather than hand-chased, aimed at a mass-market retail audience.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a commercial foil label instead of struck hallmarks is a key indicator that this is a souvenir or giftware piece rather than investment-grade solid silver. Metal show-through in worn areas suggests plating.
Origin & Manufacturing
Originating from Italy. The label suggests a regional manufacturer or large-scale retail distributor specializing in wedding and ceremonial gifts (bomboniere).
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (c. 1970-1990). The typography on the label and the style of the 'giftware' branding are characteristic of this period in Italy.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975–1995 based on the adhesive label's wear and the brand's graphic design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war Italian giftware industry ('oggettistica'), where silver-plated items became the standard for middle-class social obligations and home decoration.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface tarnish and oxidation (darkening) are visible. The adhesive label is peeling and damaged. There are visible surface scratches consistent with use and cleaning.
Value Estimate
$15 - $40 USD. Value is decorative/sentimental rather than metal-based, as the silver content is negligible.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a very mild silver polish like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could strip the thin silver plating from the base metal. Store in a dry place to prevent further dark oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Similar to silver-plated giftware by Greggio or Zaramella Argenti, though Nuovocreations is positioned more toward the affordable/souvenir market.
Interesting Facts
In Italy, 'bomboniere' are traditional favors given by hosts to guests on major life occasions, traditionally containing five sugared almonds representing health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity.