Gold and Cloisonné Enamel Cigar Cutter/Match Box, 1870-1878

Attributed to Alexis Falize, the rectangular case opens to reveal several compartments, applied with cloisonné enamel depicting five different Japonnaise scenes, workshop mark for Gustave Camproger, French assay mark.

The gold surfaces show some wear due to age, but the overall enamel work is in very good condition. Each compartment cover is fully enameled on both sides. There is a workshop mark stamped in two places along the rim of the covers for Gustave Camproger (G + camphor bush + C) and twice stamped with the French assay mark for eighteen-karat gold (physician's head) in use from 1838-1919.
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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Illustrated in Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique by Stephen Harrison, Emmanuel Ducamp, and Jeannine Falino, p. 115, exhibited October 19, 2008 through January 18, 2009 at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Henri Vever, in his often cited chronicle, French Jewelry of the 19^th Century, (translated by Katherine Purcell) p. 537, notes: "between 1860 and 1865 Alexis Falize became particularly interested in enamels and was largely responsible for restoring them to fashion by using them in his jewels. He began by reviving Limoges enamels with the help of the most talented craftsmen...subsequently captivated by Far Eastern cloisonné enamels, he studied the age-old Chinese techniques and, with the collaboration of the skilled enameller (Antoine) Tard, created numerous delightful jewels."  Alexis son Lucien, joined his father's firm in 1856, and he too collaborated with Antoine Tard in the creation of these cloisonné enameled jewels. For color illustrations of other examples see op. cit., pp. 814-815, nos. 68-71, and The Belle Epoque of French Jewellery, ed. Michael Koch et. al., pp. 155-157, nos. 87-90.