-Louis Kuppenheim 1925 Trompe L'œil Malachite Enameled Box In .935 Sterling Silver

Art deco Trompe L'œil enameled box by Louis Kuppenheim.

A stunning decorative box, created in Germany during the art deco period, back in the 1925. This superb elegant box is closely to mint condition, rare and was carefully crafted in solid .935/.999 silver with high polished finish, Exceptional workmanship as you expect with remarkably realistic faux malachite enameled panels made at the workshop of Louis Kuppenheim.

This superlative box is gently domed top having a chamfered edge inlaid with black enamel. Sophisticated self-stopping rectangular hinge with interior lip, hinge barrel and lid with polished and matte gold vermeil finishes. The interiors are lined up with thin panels of cedar wood and the bottom panel is impressed with faux leather grain secured within a silver border.

Weight: 284.20 Grams, (182.18 Dwt).

Measurements: 94 mm by 78 mm by 38 mm (3.70 x 3.07 x 1.50 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped twice with French import marks of the Swan (Osprey-124), the Swiss maker's mark HB inside an oval cartouche associated to the workshop of Louis Kuppenheim for other retailers, the mark for the silver assay 935 and signed in the border, "HB .935".

Louis Kuppenheim Company

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.

Note: The hallmark of a swan facing to the left inside an oval (Osprey-124), was introduced in 1893 for small silver items imported into France. The silver product need to have at least a standard assay of .800/999 or over. The swan mark indicates that the item was produced in a non-treaty country and served as an import identification. The swan mark used until 1970.

Note: Trompe L'œil, in French for 'deceive the eye', is an artistic term for the highly realistic optical illusion of three-dimensional space and objects on a two-dimensional surface. Trompe L'œil, which is most often associated with painting, tricks the viewer into perceiving painted objects or spaces as real. Forced perspective is a related illusion in architecture or materials.

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: D061123STRJ/8.516