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19th Century Aesthetic Movement Silver & Enamel Box

19th Century Aesthetic Movement Silver & Enamel Box

$2,250.00

Description

DATE: Victorian, c.1880

An incredible aesthetic movement silver box dating from the latter half of the 19th century. The lid features a dark and moody enamelled Japonesque scene with boats on a lake, birds flying above, trees rising up in the background, and little plants in the foreground. Although it's beautiful in its own right, my favourite parts are the enamel work to the back and sides, which are black and white whimsical renderings of leaves and branches, punctuated by tiny golden dots, the effect so simple it tends towards abstraction. The black, white, and grey enamel is embellished with tasteful gold highlights, all beautifully composed and executed. It's crafted in silver gilt throughout, and was made in Austria-Hungary circa 1880. The influence of Japanese art permeated Austro Hungarian culture during the 19th and early 20th centuries, initially favoured by Monarchy, directly influenced by the departure of the first envoy to Japan in 1868 through to 1918 when their rule ended. Local craftsmen and artisans, names now lost to time, as well as the likes of Gustav Klimt (who maintained a close and ongoing dialogue with Itō Jakuchū) incorporated elements of Japonism into their works, and this gorgeous little box is a prime example.

MEASUREMENTS 

5.1 x 4.0 x 1.5cm

WEIGHT 

68.6g

MARKS 

Unclear maker's marks to the inside

CONDITION 

Excellent

19th Century Aesthetic Movement Silver & Enamel Box 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Silver & Enamel Box 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Silver & Enamel Box 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Silver & Enamel Box 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Silver & Enamel Box 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Silver & Enamel Box 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Silver & Enamel Box 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Silver & Enamel Box 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Silver & Enamel Box

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