Vide poche

Beautiful and heavily executed antique Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) small decorative dish, crafted in Europe (likely France or Germany) during the Belle Époque period circa 1900-1920. This highly decorative object is cast from solid brass and originally served as a multifunction vide-poche, trinket dish, or ashtray for a vanity table or writing desk. The refined design features an elegantly reclining female figure in a flowing gown, resting against a fully opened and richly detailed Spanish feather fan that forms the bowl of the dish. With a substantial weight of 415 grams and compact dimensions of 2.8 cm high, 15.2 cm wide, and 11.5 cm deep, the piece sits very stably on any surface.

The authenticity of this lot is clearly visible on the underside, which displays the characteristic granular texture of the traditional sand-casting process and manual finishing. The object is in excellent original condition without cracks or restorations and has, over the decades, developed a beautiful, deep natural oxidation patina in the relief motifs that adds extra dynamism to the organic Art Nouveau lines. Although the piece has remained unobtrusive in keeping with the era, the high quality of workmanship reveals a skilled metal foundry from the early twentieth century. A characterful and valuable collector’s item that adds historical atmosphere to a modern interior and makes a precious addition for collectors of antique Jugendstil yellow copper.

Dimensions: 2.8 x 15.2 x 11.5 cm
Weight: 415 g