19th Century Carved Marble Folk Art Book with Detailed Spine and Camouflaged Monogram nail sculpture 14" across with handles

14" across with handles

which I purchased at the estate sale of a gallerist and collector in Boston

I assume H

with notes taped to the reverse re

19th Century Carved Marble Folk Art Book with Detailed Spine and Camouflaged Monogram nail sculpture 14" across with handlesI love a carved stone folk art book, and the rich red and white marble on this one is just gorgeous. And, the patterning on the marble has the effect of almost entirely camouflaging the monogram beautifully carved into the face of it, which the carver clearly knew, such that it feels like an intentional sort of secret. I felt it first with my fingers, then looking closely and holding the book an angle, one can just discern it; looks like SLC to me.