Gem-Set and Rose Quartz Box, Vladimir Makowsky
Gem-Set and Rose Quartz Box, Vladimir Makowsky
The octagonal-shaped top panel depicting a landscape with two figures and a dog, composed of a mosaic of carved gold, mother-of-pearl, shell, coral, lapis lazuli, malachite, turquoise and chalcedony, on a rose quartz base, dimensions measuring approximately 3 x 2⅞ x 1⅞ inches, the panel signed 'M' for Vladimir Makowsky, the paper backing concealed by a gold plate signed 'A. Marchak, Made in France'; circa 1930.
Provenance:
Please note this property cannot be shipped internationally due to endangered species materials.
Born in Russia in 1884, Vladimir Makowsky became the leading artist in France for inlaid panels by the 1930s. His intimate scenes, frequently depicting Asian or Middle Eastern themes, were sought after by leading jewelry houses such as Cartier. At the same time, Alexander Marchak had taken control of his family’s firm in Paris, moving it in creative new directions. During the '20s and '30s, vanity cases and boxes represented the height of style. Indeed, as Marguerite de Cerval wrote in her book, Marchak, “In Alexander Marchak’s mind, jewelry did not go without precious objet d’art.” Collaborating with the leading inlay artist of the time would have been logical, though as noted by de Cerval, “we cannot certify he made any of these boxes – he rarely signed his work – it is quite certain that [Makowksy] also worked for Marchak.” This box, then, serves as an exceedingly rare example of a piece bearing signatures by these two legends of Parisian Jewelry of the 1920s and 30s.
All quotes from Marguerite de Cerval, Marchak, p. 139-141.
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Gem-Set and Rose Quartz Box, Vladimir Makowsky
The octagonal-shaped top panel depicting a landscape with two figures and a dog, composed of a mosaic of carved gold, mother-of-pearl, shell, coral, lapis lazuli, malachite, turquoise and chalcedony, on a rose quartz base, dimensions measuring approximately 3 x 2⅞ x 1⅞ inches, the panel signed 'M' for Vladimir Makowsky, the paper backing concealed by a gold plate signed 'A. Marchak, Made in France'; circa 1930.
Provenance:
Please note this property cannot be shipped internationally due to endangered species materials.
Born in Russia in 1884, Vladimir Makowsky became the leading artist in France for inlaid panels by the 1930s. His intimate scenes, frequently depicting Asian or Middle Eastern themes, were sought after by leading jewelry houses such as Cartier. At the same time, Alexander Marchak had taken control of his family’s firm in Paris, moving it in creative new directions. During the '20s and '30s, vanity cases and boxes represented the height of style. Indeed, as Marguerite de Cerval wrote in her book, Marchak, “In Alexander Marchak’s mind, jewelry did not go without precious objet d’art.” Collaborating with the leading inlay artist of the time would have been logical, though as noted by de Cerval, “we cannot certify he made any of these boxes – he rarely signed his work – it is quite certain that [Makowksy] also worked for Marchak.” This box, then, serves as an exceedingly rare example of a piece bearing signatures by these two legends of Parisian Jewelry of the 1920s and 30s.
All quotes from Marguerite de Cerval, Marchak, p. 139-141.
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