Hi Matthew,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

A tazza is a wide, shallow cup or bowl, usually standing on a pedestal or footed base. Tazze (plural of tazza) are often made of metal, glass, porcelain or stone and are primarily used for presenting fruit, desserts, or even wine. Many antique tazze are ornately designed and used as centerpieces or display pieces; this is what I think yours was made for, because of the raised center.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Napoleon III Empire style ormolu mounted black porcelain tazza or compote
French, Mid 19th Century
Of circular section, the outer rim with reeded trim and centering a raised coin center depicting a scene of Odysseus returning after the Trojan War and being recognized by his dog, Argus, on a shaped cast ormolu tripod base with claw feet and anthemion drop. Unmarked.
10 inches high, 12 inches diameter
CONDITION: This appears to be in generally good condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 400-600*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia