Details
A RARE AND IMPORTANT ART DECO GEM-SET VANITY CASE BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
The carved jadeite lid with rose-cut diamond detail opening to reveal a cigarette and vesta case compartment; the back opening to reveal an interior mirror, dual powder compartment and lipstick holder, both ends set with carved jadeite centres upon a carved amethyst ground with rose-cut diamond scrolls, symbolic signs of thunder rolls and bands of clouds, the sides set with lapis lazuli panels, one panel acting as a concealed pushpiece, with French assay and maker's marks, circa 1925, 10.0cm. wide (few diamonds deficient, slight restoration to enamel)
Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels, No. 27985
Cf. Sylvie Raulet, 'Van Cleef & Arpels,' Rizzoli (1986), p. 261 for a similar example by Van Cleef & Arpels. A vanity case, also known as a lady's 'necessaire' were very popular after the First World War. Originally inspired by the Chinese and Japanese cases known as 'inro', which had horizontal drawers containing their medecine. The 'necessaire' or vanity case as Americans appropriately termed them were either simple or depicting miniature scenes in gems and hardstones. Much detail and talent was attributed to the final splendour of the 'necessaire;' from hunting and fishing scenes to sumptuous mother-of-pearl inlays with floral motifs to symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns. Vanity cases were much in vogue in the 1920s and thus ladies were quite particular about the originality of their individual case.
The carved jadeite lid with rose-cut diamond detail opening to reveal a cigarette and vesta case compartment; the back opening to reveal an interior mirror, dual powder compartment and lipstick holder, both ends set with carved jadeite centres upon a carved amethyst ground with rose-cut diamond scrolls, symbolic signs of thunder rolls and bands of clouds, the sides set with lapis lazuli panels, one panel acting as a concealed pushpiece, with French assay and maker's marks, circa 1925, 10.0cm. wide (few diamonds deficient, slight restoration to enamel)
Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels, No. 27985
Cf. Sylvie Raulet, 'Van Cleef & Arpels,' Rizzoli (1986), p. 261 for a similar example by Van Cleef & Arpels. A vanity case, also known as a lady's 'necessaire' were very popular after the First World War. Originally inspired by the Chinese and Japanese cases known as 'inro', which had horizontal drawers containing their medecine. The 'necessaire' or vanity case as Americans appropriately termed them were either simple or depicting miniature scenes in gems and hardstones. Much detail and talent was attributed to the final splendour of the 'necessaire;' from hunting and fishing scenes to sumptuous mother-of-pearl inlays with floral motifs to symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns. Vanity cases were much in vogue in the 1920s and thus ladies were quite particular about the originality of their individual case.