Luxurious early 20th cent. footed Art Deco tiled gilt brass decorative box

Possibly by A. B. Paris
Early 20th century; Paris, France
Brass and silk

Approximate size: 16 x 25 x 15 cm

The present jewelry box is a masterfully crafted example of Art Deco luxury. The checkered Art Deco tiles enveloping its exterior forms a remarkable and detailed pattern inviting an exquisite contrast between dark burnished brass and gilt brass highlights. Its handle is inspired by Renaissance and Baroque models.

The interior continues its luxurious theme with a tufted burgundy-red silk interior commensurate with other brass jewelry caskets produced by the A.B. Paris company, suggesting the present box could be the product of this business which appears to have specialized in fine metal caskets for the Parisan market during the last quarter of the 19th century and first quarter of the 20th century.

Condition: Locking mechanism presumably defunct. Box does not lock although the original key is still present. There is a tear to the interior silk lining on the interior wall, to the right of where the key hole is located. The tear is generally out-of-sight even when the box is open.