aventurine, enamel, coral, amethyst, diamonds, jadeite, sapphires, yellow gold, platinum, mirrored plate glass | Media | Collection of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

We have one object in this medium

A vanity case fabricated from green aventurine stone into a rectangular form with rounded corners in a horizontal orientation with sides and front edges created in black enamel with a narrow gold line bordering the aventurine. Black enamel is also used as a ground material for an ornate banner-like form with a straight faceted diamond edge that functions as the pole for the banner to hang. Straight side edges embellished with diamonds descend to the middle point of the front then descend to meet equally in the center almost to the edge into a wide angle, similar to the design of an envelope flap. To add to the banner-like idea are numerous triangular faceted diamond forms, seven on each side of the angle or flap, creating an interesting zigzag design against the black enamel. The content of the banner consists of a floral scene with luscious carvings of three red-orange coral poppy flowers cushioned in a bed of carved green jadeite leaves. Oval cabochon sapphires are clustered about in between the leaves. Accents of purple flat unfaceted amethysts are surrounding a round centered faceted diamond on each poppy and a short diamond clasp or thumbpiece in a short line occupies the central space on the opening side. This vanity case could fit into the palm of your hand and it would feel cold to the touch, as well as be heavy from the aventurine stone. The photograph captures the object displaying the front, left side and bottom with a cast shadow and reflection against a white surface and ground.

Vanity Case, Poppy, ca. 1928
aventurine, enamel, coral, amethyst, diamonds, jadeite, sapphires, yellow....
Lent by Private Collection.
13.2016.2