A RARE ART NOUVEAU WOOD AND GOLD STAMP BOX, BY BOUCHERON

Boucheron Box The firm of Boucheron, founded by Frédéric Boucheron (1830-1902) in 1858, gained rapid notoriety for exquisite workmanship, designs and gemstones. Moving to the famed Place Vendôme in 1860, their delicately jeweled creations based on floral motifs became a signature design for the House, which pre-empted the Art Nouveau style. Although acutely aware of the excesses of the Art Nouveau fashion, Boucheron embraced the style more completely than other Houses, yet never deviated from the belief that a piece, no matter the mode, must always be recognizable as Boucheron. Their display at the Paris Exposition of 1900 created a sensation as the firm confidently juxtaposed both traditional and "modern", or Art Nouveau, jewels. He commissioned several artists, including master wood-carver Edmond-Henri Becker, to produce extraordinary works in wood, ivory and other materials. Extraordinarily utilitarian, this stampbox was created by Boucheron in 1900. The graceful gold mount is formed by lithe curls decorated with pansies, the lid opening to reveal a framework also dedicated to the image of the pansy. The polished gold compartments disclose its true purpose, that of holding stamps. According to the sentimental Victorians' language of flowers, the pansy symbolizes that "you are in my thoughts" or "heart's ease", a subtle link to the box's purpose. The sublime woodcarvings were executed by Edmond-Henri Becker and are very discreet in their relief, evoking references to Japanese craftsmen. Traditionally regarded as the messengers of peace, the doves on the three side panels are depicted in various stages of flight. The panel on the bottom continues the theme of the pansy and in one corner, gives the illusion of two other doves. Finally, the top panel portrays the profile of a female, perhaps the greatest theme of the Art Nouveau movement. The fluid unification of organic and inorganic materials with the Art Nouveau themes makes this a truly exquisite example of not only Boucheron's work but also of the Art Nouveau style.

細節

A RARE ART NOUVEAU WOOD AND GOLD STAMP BOX, BY BOUCHERON
The rectangular curved wooden box, encased by a sculpted gold foliate and pansy frame extending to the cover reverse, the bottom panel of carved blooming flower motif, to the sides depicting numerous doves in flight and the lid depicting a maiden in profile, opening to reveal four compartments, mounted in gold, circa 1900, with French assay marks
Signed Boucheron, Paris

出版

Gilles Néret, "Boucheron: Four Generations of a World-Renowned Jeweler", Rizzoli, New York, 1988, page 73