Antique Art Nouveau pendant on chain necklace. 18k yellow gold. Made in France by Henry Miault, circa 1900. Model is called "Folle avoine" which translates to "wild oats". Suitable for a woman or a man.
Measurements: Pendant is 1 3/8 inches (3.75cm) across. Chain stretched out is approximately 19.5 inches (50cm). Weighs 15.6 grams.
Description: Chain necklace composed of gold links in the form of long, narrow rounded rectangles. This was aparrently a popular style of chain with this artist as we see it illustrated in 'photos of Art Nouveau jewelry in Alastair Duncan's book (see below). The pendant is attached to the chain by loops near the apex, so that it hangs with a rounded point at the top. Within the gold border are elongated sheathes of wheat overlapping one another. Langurous, elongated and elegant, this design is classic Art Nouveau. Due to the size of the pendant it is ideal for either a man or a woman. Another, smaller pendant, depicting a lotus or other flower is hung on the side of the chain. The floral theme goes well with the pendant. I suspect this is not original to the necklace and the new owner can either keep it or easily remove it. Henry Miault (1881 - 1960) Boulevard Malesherbes is well represented over 3 1/2 pages of illustrations in Alastair Duncan's book: The Paris Salons 1895-1914. Regarded as an artist sculptor as much as a jeweller, his jewelry is always naturalistically modelled representations of plants and flowers. The identical chain is shown on page 115 and a coronet with the same Wild Oats pattern on the same page.
Marks: The pendant has engraved Miault signature as well as French hallmarks - eagle head for 18k gold and maker's mark lozenge on the back. The ring of the clasp and the smaller pendant are also hallmarked.
Condition: good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
