Boîte en pierre dure avec montures en émail, diamants et 'jasperware', écrin de Janesich, France, vers 1915

de forme rectangulaire arrondie en quartz de couleur gris souris, le couvercle orné d'un petit panneau français de style Wedgwood composé de putti autour d'un autel, les montures et le fermoir en diamants et platine, les bordures en or émaillé de blanc, poinçon de contrôle français

in mouse-coloured quartz of rounded rectangular form, the lid inset with a small jasperware panel showing putti at an altar, rose diamond and platinum frame and mounts, the gold border with white enamel key pattern, French control mark

Very good condition; natural flaws in stone on bottom of left side and corner; case slightly scuffed with time;
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The firm of Janesich was founded in 1835 in Trieste by Leopoldo Janesich. He used the advantages given by Trieste's status as a freeport to build up contacts with other major Italian cities as well as the jewellery-manufacturing towns of Hanau and Vienna. It was his son Giovanni who exapanded the business to Paris, opening in 1896 in the rue de Lafayette. At this time the firm sold its Paris productions in Trieste and its Trieste jewellery to retailers such as Tiffany and Chaumet in Paris. In 1913 Giovanni took over larger premises in the rue de la Paix, selling to many illustrious private clients with further branches opening in Monte Carlo, Vichy, Biarritz and London. Perhaps Janesich's greatest decade was between 1925 and 1935 when it specialised in producing cigarette cases and powder compacts. The firm remained in private hands until its closure in 1968.