-Art Deco 1913 Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Retractable Pencil In .800 Silver And Enamel
Egyptian revival Pharaoh sarcophagus pencil designed by Hans Aigner.
Fantastic miniature pendant-pencil, created at the silversmith atelier of Hans Aigner in Vienna Austria during the art deco period, back in the 1913-1920. This beautiful propelling mechanical pencil is a great example of the period, crafted with Egyptians patterns in the likeness of the famous pharaoh sarcophagus in solid .800/.999 silver and 18kt gold vermeil. It is decorated with white, blue and green champlevé enamel and is fitted on top with a movable ring to wear in a chain or a charm's bracelet. With the excavations searching for the King Tutankhamun's tomb, Egyptian Revival souvenirs like this became incredibly popular in the Western world.
Weight: 8.45 Grams, (5.42 Dwt).
Measurements: Fully extended is 81.3 mm by 12 mm (3.20 x 0.47 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with Austrian marks, the maker's mark HA associated to Hans Aigner, the mark for the assay of the silver and signed, "H.A. .800".
History
Between the 1860 and 1890, ancient cities were discovered, such as Troy, Pompeii and Alexandria. Archaeological excavations in Egypt, Greece and Rome, discovered artistic pieces of these ancient cultures. These fabulous discoveries, stimulated cultural trips to these countries, popularly called "grand tour". Being the case that the enthusiast visitors bring back small objects, like souvenirs to be assembled into jewelry. The starting point of these trips were in the cities of Rome and Venice. this is why the craftsman's of these cities created small and interesting objects with ancient characteristics like this bracelet.
Revival jewelry
The styles from the renaissance and middle ages, begun in the 1850’s, The Renaissance and Egyptian revivals were joined by a classical revival of Greek and Etruscan styles to conform a new aesthetic. As a result of the construction work on the Suez canal in the mid-1860’s and the Egyptian excavations of Auguste Mariette and the resultant exhibit of Egyptian treasures at the exposition Universelle in 1867, a fascination for all things Egyptian and ancient cultures developed.
Champlevé
The term is translated from the French, Champlevé means “raised field.” Champlevé is a difficult enamel technique where the surface to be enameled is carved, engraved, stamped or etched with a design prior to enameling. The powdered enamel is fired into the design highlighting it. Later processes involve cutting the metal away to leave thin walls similar to those used in cloisonné. With this technique, the cells are filled with enamel to the height of the cell walls and smoothed over.
Collateral: This piece is accompanied by a presentation pouch.
Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. All parts are in working condition. This pencil has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D030724XMMN/.2166
