Falize

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, WA1964.29.2, 1865 - 1867 for a pair of earrings of similar design by Falize

Various contributers, The Belle Epoque of French Jewellery, 1850 - 1910, 1990, page 156-157 for similar designs by Falize

Henri Vever, French Jewellery of the Nineteenth Century, translated by Katherine Purcell, 2001, page 814 for similar designs by Falize

Alexis Falize (1811-1898) began his career in 1832 under the jeweller Mellerio dits Meller. In 1838, he established his own workshop, focusing on intricate enameling techniques. During the Second French Empire (1852-1870), his creations drew inspiration from various historical periods, particularly the French Renaissance, as well as from distant cultures. His efforts elevated jewellery to a true decorative art form. Upon his retirement in 1876, his son Lucien (1839-1897) took over the business.

Japan began to trade with the West in the 1850s, which allowed for a gradual influence of Japanese art over European art and decoration. Falize himself became fascinated with cloisonné enamel as it allowed for a beautiful rendering of the natural world. His son Lucien also shared this passion and leveraged the firm's enamelling expertise to create highly refined pieces inspired by Japanese designs. They joined forces with Antoine Tard the enameller to create these exquisite pieces in the workshop.