Austrian 1925 Art Deco Plique à jour Enameled Box In 900 Sterling Silver
Austria art deco enameled box designed by Johann Scholz.
An exceptional snuff-pills box, created in Vienna Austria between the1922-1925. This box was made at the workshop of Johann Scholz and the Plique à jour technique is very difficult. It was carefully crafted in solid .900/.999 silver with high polished finish. This elegant box display one of the the highest caliber of workmanship we have ever seen for this type of pieces. It is extensively decorated with engraving and outstanding applications of rich blue and green hot enamel. Designed with rectangular shape with sharp edge and a central panel with translucent multicolor flowers.
Weight: 122.15 Grams, (78.30 Dwt).
Measurements: 58 mm by 14 mm by 82 mm (2.28 x 0.55 x 3.25 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped twice with Austrian marks; the mark 2W for the city of Vienna, the maker's mark JS inside a cartouche associated to Johann Scholz and the mark for the assay of the .900/.999 silver .900.
Plique à Jour
This term was taken from the French is "letting in daylight". Is a very difficult vitreous enameling technique where the enamel is applied in cells, similar to cloisonné, but with no backing in the final product, so light can shine through the transparent or translucent enamel. It is in effect a miniature version of stained-glass and is considered very challenging technically: high time consumption (up to 4 months per item), with a high failure rate. The technique is similar to that of cloisonné, but using a temporary backing that after firing is dissolved by acid or rubbed away. A different technique relies solely on surface tension, for smaller areas. In Japan the technique is known as shotai-jippo (shotai shippo), and is found from the 19th century on.
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 secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D070823RCEK/3.523
