Reproduction 16th century Italian cassetta frame with pastiglia ornament.

Here we have a water gilded replica of an antique 16th century Italian cassetta frame which we produced for our client Paul Mitchell Ltd.  The ornament you see at the corners and centres is called pastiglia work, this is achieved by dripping liquid gesso leaving a raised decorative design.  The reproduction frame was then toned and distressed to a 16th century finish.  Punch work was added to the background of the pastiglia ornament with a tool and mallet.  The punch work creates a textured relief and aids to outline the raised pastiglia decoration.