Antique Art Nouveau - Art Deco brooch. 18k gold and enamel. Made in Barcelona, Spain, but Lluis Masriera, early 1900's.
Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.
Measurements:
Weight is 4.1 grams. A tad over 1 inch (3cm) long.
Description :
A relatively small brooch, modelled as a standing bowl or tazza, overflowing with fruit and foliage. Most of the fruit and foliage are beautifully enamelled in shades of orange, yellow and green. The orange enamel is somewhat transluscent while the yellow is very rich. A few fruit are intentionally left with their gold surface. Subtle, understated elegance. Exceptional workmanship, for which Lluis Masriera was renowned. Hinged pin with tubular catch is safe and secure.
A rare and unique collector's item.
Marks and Metal:
Small raised square plaque with C19 and 750 (750 for 18k gold) and an elongated oval raised plaque engraved MASRIERA.
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.
THE STORY:
The Masriera family jewelry business was already well-established Barcelona and were community leaders of the arts in general. Around 1900, the young Lluis Masriera returned from Paris, inspired by the Art Nouveau jewelry of Rene Lalique.
He closed the store for 6 months, melted the company's entire stock and beginning from zero, began working in the new style. Within a week, his entire production was sold.
In Barcelona, Art Nouveau is known as Modernisme.
In addition, Lluis was a leader in the general artistic world, literary, painting, sculpture and drama. He opened a theatre for which he painted scenery and was very actively involved in all aspects.
More than anyone else, the jewelry of Masriera is seen to be on a par with that of Rene Lalique - the best of the best Art Nouveau jewelry, combining imaginative, elegant design with outstanding workmanship. Lluis had perfected various enamelling techniques and this is a special feature of his best work, including plique a jour enamel and a form of iridescent enamelling that he invented.
This brooch combines all of the best elements of the Art Nouveau work of Lluis Masriera - design, and fantastic workmanship.
Masriera is still in business today, but this is an early, antique Masriera jewel. Most likely one of a kind, this unique brooch will add a very subtle element of sophistication and beauty to any outfit. Suitable for a man or a woman.
