© The Card Case Forum, 2012
Inspired by japanese metal work, this rare silver case by New York jeweller, Tiffany & Co, combines mixed metals, a hammered surface and gingko leaf design. It measures 72 x 108 mm and dates to about 1880.
In 1876, Tiffany & Co commissioned Christopher Dresser to visit Japan to observe the work and learn the techniques of artisans including potters, artists, lacquer workers and metal workers; he was also charged with purchasing objects. These purchases inspired a range of jewellery and silverware using gold, silver, and various metal alloys inspired by natural forms. Many of these items were exhibited at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1878 where Tiffany was awarded the Grand Prize for Excellence for silverware.
In 1876, Tiffany & Co commissioned Christopher Dresser to visit Japan to observe the work and learn the techniques of artisans including potters, artists, lacquer workers and metal workers; he was also charged with purchasing objects. These purchases inspired a range of jewellery and silverware using gold, silver, and various metal alloys inspired by natural forms. Many of these items were exhibited at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1878 where Tiffany was awarded the Grand Prize for Excellence for silverware.
THIS RARE SILVER CASE BY TIFFANY & CO IS INSPIRED BY JAPANESE METAL WORK
| stag antler |
| tiffany silver |
| japanese silver |
| carved ivory |
| carved sandalwood |
| cloisonne |
| gold & enamel |
| gold filigree |
| japanese lacquer |
| mop & turquoise |
| persian silver |
| red-felt birchbark |
| red-stained ivory |
| birch-bark |
| gold by asprey |
| indian filigree |
| irish bog oak |
| japanese ivory |
| lukutin lacquer |
| palais royal |
| papier-mache |
| russian nephrite |
| silesian wire-work |
| chequer ware |
| faberge enamel |
| gem painted pearl |
| gold & enamel |
| ivory & lacquer |
| japanese lacquer |
| japanese lacquer |
| mother-of-pearl |
| silver castle top |
| tortoiseshell |
| chalcedony |
| elephant tooth |
| faberge enamel |
| inlaid lacquer |
| japanese ivory |
| red sealing wax |
| russian cloisonne |
| seaweed ware |
| tiffany enamel |
| tiffany silver |
| tunbridge ware |
| bamboo |
| chinese enamel |
| chinese silk |
| derbyshire marble |
| european ivory |
| french straw work |
| japanese bronze |
| japanese komai |
| lukutin lacquer |
| red-stained ivory |
| shibayama |
| spiers papier mache |
| buckskin |
| faberge gold |
| leather |
| mauchline ware |
| porcelain |
| rock crystal |