-German 1925 Art Deco Enameled Gala Purse Bag In .935 Sterling With Gemstones
An art deco gala purse with gemstones.
An exceptional and colorful purse, created in Europe during the art deco period, back in the 1925, most probably in Germany or Austria, It was carefully crafted with strong geometric patterns and chinoiserie style in solid sterling silver of .935/.999 and embellished with applications of green and blue enamels. The enamels are realized with the difficult technique of the trompe L'Oeil simulating color gemstones such; the green malachite and the blue lapis lazuli. This bag is fitted with a double links chain and the silk fabric inside was recently refinished and the outside with a luxury purple velvet. This piece is very similar in style and craftmanship to the works created by the German jewelers Theodor Fahrner and Louis Kuppenheim.
Marcasite: Mounted in flat settings, with 378 faceted cut marcasite.
Coral: Mount with 1 round cabochon bead of 13 mm carved in the Chinoiserie style from natural salmon coral.
Weight: 154.59 Grams, (99.50 Dwt).
Measurements: The chain lenght is 24 inches (60 Cm.) and the purse alone is 9.1 x 7.5 Inches (23 x 19 Cm.).
Hallmarks: Stamped with double sets of serial numbers, 1363.
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.
Trompe L'œil
This is a French term 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'oeil, 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.
Literature: Theodor Fahrner Jewelry, Shiffer 1991, various authors. for similar items in the same style.
Condition: The overall condition of this gala purse is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. All gemstones and parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P040224MNNA/4.630
