IN THE MANNER OF JOHANN GEORG KLETT, POSSIBLY DRESDEN OR BERLIN, CIRCA 1750

Saxony had exploited its hardstone deposits since the reign of Elector Augustus (r. 1553–86) and later Augustus the Strong (1670-1733) with the discovery of several varieties of agate in Halsbach, near Freiburg. It was the invention of a grinding and polishing mill for Saxon gemstones by Johann Friedrich Böttger (1682–1719), the inventor of Meissen’s famous porcelain, that facilitated the use of these stones. Thus the goldsmith Johann Melchior Dinglinger (1664-1731) was able to create his masterpieces, now in the Grünes Gewolbe, while the gifted stonecutter Johann Christoph Hübner (1665–1739) collaborated with the sculptor Paul Heerrmann modeling busts of exceptional quality. Later Johann Georg Klett (1720-93) cut both hardstones and glass on the wheel and is known to have produced not only hardstone snuff-boxes but also hunting sword grips. His talent led him to be appointed Hofsteinschneider (court stonecutter) to the court of Saxony in 1755.

At the same time Berlin also became one of central Europe's most important centres for such artistic hardstone creations, following the efforts of King Frederick the Great of Prussia (r. 1740–86) to establish a luxury-goods industry through protectionist measures: 'For the good of the Berlin gold workers...[we] totally forbade the import of all French gold boxes, étuis, and objets de bijou.' (W. Koeppe, A. Giusti, Art of the Royal Court : Treasures in Pietre Dure from the Palaces of Europe, New York, 2008). His efforts eventually led to the establishment of successful manufactories of gold objects and jewellery in Berlin. After Augsburg and Dresden, Berlin became one of central Europe's most important centres for hardstone creations.