Marie Zimmermann Gilt Box With Carved and Pierced Finial

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Description

An antique covered box of gilt metal topped with an exquisite finial composed of filigreed metal, rose quartz, variscite, and … Read more An antique covered box of gilt metal topped with an exquisite finial composed of filigreed metal, rose quartz, variscite, and intricately carved and pierced white jade. The elegant covered jar from American metalsmith, designer and jeweler, Marie Zimmermann (1879-1972), is illustrated on page 251, fig. 7.54 of The Jewelery and Metalwork of Marie Zimmermann, 2012. The box remained in the artist's possession throughout her lifetime.

The substantial body and lid (which appear to be bronze or copper) are textured with hammer marks overall and gilded inside and out with an original golden finish. The base is stamped Zimmermann / Maker. The vessel measures 5.75 inches. Height x 4 inches Diameter and is in very good original condition with expected small scuffs and light scratches, particularly around base edges underfoot.

Although created during the Art Deco period, this vessel showcases Zimmermann's ability to harmonize disparate stylistic elements into a perfectly unified design. In this case, she combines the clean lines of the metal cup with an intricate finial composed of metal and semi-precious stones in a design that is entirely her own. Zimmermann spent much of her creative energy developing a variety of unique and artistic finishes for her art metal designs, working with heat, wax, varnish pigments and plating techniques. Occasionally, she accented these finishes with jewels and gemstones, enameled details, and/or "found objects," including carved pieces of coral, ivory, jade and stone.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City holds the largest collection of objects by Marie Zimmermann, making their first acquisition in 1922. Zimmermann’s jewellery and metalwork designs are also included in the collections of The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Wolfsonian-Florida International University and the Columbus Museum of Art.

Provenance: The Estate of Marie Zimmermann. See less