Thanks to a Roman friend, I found exactly that. On her suggestion, I ordered several custom-made miniature bronze nasoni, replicas of the famous cast-iron fountains installed throughout the Eternal City in the late nineteenth century. These small fountains, with their constant streams of fresh water, are among the quiet symbols of everyday Roman life.
The miniatures were crafted by Dante Mortet, a fifth-generation sculptor and cesellatore, who made the beautifully detailed pieces in his Roman parlor. This week they finally arrived, carefully packed and accompanied by a handwritten note sealed with wax.
They will make wonderful gifts, and I could not be happier.
Thank you, Dante.