A wonderful religious icon, a high quality and well cast depiction of The Virgin Mary with the original convex glass and Napoleon III ebonised wood oval frame. There is a brass 'bissou' around the inside of the frame, around the glass which elevates the piece.
 
The meerschaum itself is elegantly plainly carved but with crisp and considered detail, such as the drape of her veil and her beautiful modest demeanour. 
 
The meerschaum has been expertly cleaned, removing none of the charm and resealed at the back in the traditional style. There is a minor mark on the glass. The minor restoration has preserved this heirloom piece, from the second half of the 1800s, for many generations to come.
 
The Meerschaum measures 4.5" by 4"