Rare "Jewel" Series Koi Box by Annemarie Davidson – 1960s California Modern Enamel

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Turtle and Crane is proud to present a true collector's discovery: a rare and radiant "Jewel" series box by the … Read more Turtle and Crane is proud to present a true collector's discovery: a rare and radiant "Jewel" series box by the First Lady of California Enamel, Annemarie Davidson. While Davidson is celebrated for her free-form abstract plates, finding a walnut box featuring her complex "Jewel" technique—specifically with a figural Koi motif—is an exceptionally scarce find. This piece is not just decor; it is an entry point into the world of high-end California Modernism.
For those new to Davidson’s work, she was a Sierra Madre artisan who revolutionized enameling in the mid-century. Unlike the flat, traditional enamels of Europe, Davidson’s work is dimensional and alive. This box showcases her signature "Jewel" technique, where small, irregular chunks of glass frit were fused onto the copper base. The result is a tactile, raised surface that catches the light like a gemstone. Run your fingers over the lid, and you can feel the artistry—the bubbling depth of the water and the structural elegance of the Koi fish are physically raised from the surface.
What truly sets this piece apart, however, is its sophisticated palette. While the majority of Davidson’s work features bright turquoise or lime green, this box boasts a rare "Tobacco and Amber" colorway. The rich, monochromatic copper tones glow with the warmth of a tortoise shell or a fine cognac, making it a seamless addition to a luxurious Palm Beach Regency study or a warm Mid-Century living room. The organic, fluid motion of the golden Koi is framed by the geometric precision of the solid walnut box, creating a functional sculpture that glows from within. This is a chance to own a piece of American design history that is as useful as it is beautiful.
Product Details
• Creator: Annemarie Davidson (Sierra Madre, CA)
• Collection: The "Jewel" Series (Distinguished by raised glass accents)
• Date of Manufacture: Circa 1960s
• Materials: Walnut Wood, Copper, Vitreous Glass Enamel
• Dimensions: [Insert Approx Dimensions, likely 5" x 5" or 6" x 6"]
• Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition. The enamel retains its high-gloss, gem-like finish. See less