1950s Alexander Noll Carved Wood & Mother of Pearl Lidded Cigarette Box

Details

Description

Offering for sale this incredible abalone shell lidded cigarette box with the following features:

- The design is characteristic of … Read more Offering for sale this incredible abalone shell lidded cigarette box with the following features:

- The design is characteristic of French mid-century minimalist styles, often attributed to or inspired by the artist Alexandre Noll (French sculptor and designer) circa 1950s
- The shell is a Black-lip pearl oyster shell, commonly known for producing dark iridescent Mother of Pearl
- This box features an iridescent Black-lip mother-of-pearl shell lid set into a hand-carved wooden base
- The interior exhibits a vibrant, multicolored nacre (mother of pearl) with characteristic purple, green, and pink iridescent tones
- These boxes are typically designed as a small trinket or jewelry container, but this particular box is expressly designed to hold a box of matches and loose cigarettes
- The lid "handle" features a hand-carved Polynesian tiki figure and is attached to the wooden base with wooden dowels, making this ever-more likely to be attributed to Alexander Noll
- The wood is either acacia or walnut, making this ever-more likely to be attributed to Alexander Noll, as Noll was especially drawn to exotic species for their rich, dark surfaces and fine grain, which enhanced the visual impact of his intricate carving
- The box is in very good overall vintage condition, with a small chip to the MOP shell and a loose joint, but its fully functional and clearly very well made
- Measures 7.5" x 7.5" x 2" height See less