EMERALD COMPACT, FRANCO CANNILLA FOR MASENZA, 1950S

The circular compact of textured design, the open work top collet-set with circular-cut emeralds, opening to reveal a mirror and powder compartment, measuring approximately 82 x 80 x 19mm, signed Cannilla and Masenza, gross weight approximately 196 grams.Mario Masenza (1913-1985) was heir to the jewellers who supplied the Italian Royal Family. In Rome, trading under the family name Masenza, their jewellery shop was founded in 1924. In the 1940s Mario Masenza established the 'School of Rome'. This group of artists including Franco Cannilla (1911 – 1985), Guerrini, Afro and Mirko Basaldella, adopted an experimental and creative approach to fashioning jewellery, fusing ancient metalwork techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Cannilla’s works from this period are distinguished by their highly textured and tactile quality, exemplified by the present lot.

Signed Masenza Roma and Cannilla. Emeralds mid green, transparent, with typical inclusions visible to the naked eye, some surface-reaching, some with areas of minor chipping to facet edges. Hinge in good working order, and closing securely, but opening with some difficulty. Mirror, powder puff and makeup insert intact, with makeup residue. Light scratches and areas of minor discoloration to surfaces consistent with age and use. Overall in good condition. Gross weight approximately 196 grams. For further information please contact the department on +44 (0)207 293 6409.  Please note Condition 11 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The online condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance purposes only. The images of the lot also form part of the online condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Any reference to condition in the online condition report does not amount to a full description of condition. The online condition report may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the online condition report of the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The online condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the online condition report is a statement of subjective, qualified opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's (for example, information regarding colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's). Please also note that we do not guarantee, and are not responsible for, any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the lot. In addition, certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot (for example, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades). For these reasons, the online condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. Prospective buyers should also refer to the relevant section the Buying at Auction guide which includes important notices concerning the type of property in this sale. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS (ONLINE ONLY).