-Louis Kuppenheim 1925 Red And Black Enameled Chinoiserie Box In .935 Sterling
Chinoiserie enameled box by Louis Kuppenheim.
Extremely beautiful rectangular box, created during the art deco period in the city of Pforzheim Germany, back in the late 1925. This wonderful box is closely to mint condition, designed with rectangles shapes and chinoiserie patterns at the Louis Kuppenheim silversmith workshop. Crafted in solid .935/.999 silver, with gilt interiors and embellished with chiseled borders. Has an exceptional workmanship as you expect of the workshop of Louis Kuppenheim, with remarkable red and black enamels on both faces and the four sides. As a note, this box can be actually used for presentation cards.
Weight: 198.70 Grams, (127.37 Dwt).
Measurements: 62 mm by 80 mm by 16 mm (2.44 x 3.15 x 0.63 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with German marks, the maker's mark LK Inside an oval cartouche associated to the workshop of Louis Kuppenheim, the mark for the assay of the .935 silver, the case model number and signed, "LK STERLING GERMANY 130".
Louis Kuppenheim
The company was grounded in 1854 by Louis Kuppenheim (1824-1889) and Heinrich Witzenmann, specialized in silver and gold and enameled artefacts. On the World Exhibition in 1900 the firm received a gold medal for a letter opener. In that same year the company opened a branch in the Rue Richelieu 67 in Paris. In these years some designs by Hans Christiansen were executed, amongst them very delicately enameled silver cigarette cases. The enamels on the several silver and gold pieces was of very high standard, and sometimes even gems like rubies were applied. Very famous were the ladies silver vanity cases with cute animals like cats and monkeys that are regularly sold on the better auctions and are very wanted.
Chinoiserie
The term chinoiserie is from the French word chinois, meaning “Chinese” and refers to European artistic style that reflects the influence of China and is characterized by the use of Chinese designs, asymmetry, whimsical changes in size, the use of lacquered materials and abundant decoration. Chinoiserie entered Europe in about the last quarter of the 17th century and reached its peak in the mid-18th century, when it was assimilated by Rococo.
Condition: The overall condition of this box is impeccable. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. The enameled parts are pristine in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D061223MCNN/5.954
