-Louis Kuppenheim 1925 Red And Black Enameled Chinoiserie Box Gilt .935 Sterling

Chinoiserie enameled box by Louis Kuppenheim.

Very rare squared 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 curvilinear geometric shapes and chinoiserie patterns at the Louis Kuppenheim silversmith workshop. It was crafted in solid .935/.999 silver, with in and out gilt finish and embellished with classic chiseled borders. Has an exceptional workmanship as you expect of the workshop of Louis Kuppenheim, with remarkable red and black enamels topped with accents in yellow gold.

Weight: 155.95 Grams, (99.97 Dwt).

Measurements: 75 mm by 75 mm by 26 mm (2.95 x 3.95 x 1.02 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 .935 STERLING 84".

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.

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: D061223ANNM/4.673