Rare 1930s Art Deco Catalin (Bakelite) Jewellery Box Vanity Box – Ruby Red Lava Flow – Pearlised - Jewellery box - Bakelite
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Current bid
€ 160
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Michel Karis
Art historian with extensive experience working at various auction houses in antiques.
Estimate € 180 - € 220
 | €160 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €150 | |
| €140 | |
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Art Deco Bakelite Catalin jewellery/vanity box from circa 1930s, Italy, measuring 20 × 12 × 7 cm, weighing 424 g, in excellent condition with preserved lining and mirror.
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Description from the seller
Rare Art Deco Catalin Jewellery Box – Ruby Red Lava Flow – 1930s
An exceptional and visually striking Art Deco jewellery and vanity box, dating to approximately the 1930s, beautifully crafted in ruby-red marbled Catalin (phenolic resin) and featuring an extraordinary combination of colours, textures and decorative details.
A remarkable example of the sophisticated decorative taste of the Art Deco period, when innovative materials, bold geometric forms and luxurious finishes transformed everyday objects into elegant design statements.
The most captivating feature is its spectacular ruby-red Catalin body, displaying deep burgundy and dark marbled inclusions reminiscent of flowing lava, polished gemstones and precious red jasper.
Its translucent, almost jewel-like appearance creates a fascinating changing effect as light passes through the material, revealing extraordinary depth and intensity of colour.
The front is embellished with a magnificent golden pearlised panel featuring flowing black wave-like stripes, creating a dramatic three-dimensional visual effect. This distinctive Ocean Wave / Ripple decoration provides a sophisticated contrast to the vibrant ruby-red body.
Inside, the box reveals a beautifully preserved red velvet-like lining, together with an integrated rectangular mirror surrounded by an elegant mother-of-pearl-effect frame. The four geometric corner ornaments recall the architectural Skyscraper motifs characteristic of the Art Deco movement.
The carefully designed structure incorporates gently rounded edges, original-style metal hinges and four small cylindrical feet, giving the box a refined and balanced silhouette.
Originally conceived as an elegant dressing-table accessory, this remarkable piece remains equally appealing today as a decorative collector's object.
Condition
Very good vintage condition, retaining its beautiful glossy finish, rich translucent colouring and attractive original patina.
The interior lining is well preserved, the mirror is present and the hinges appear sound. Minor surface marks consistent with age and careful use. The mirror has not yet been fully cleaned.
Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.
Details
Period: Circa 1930s, Art Deco
Style: Art Deco / Boudoir / Vanity
Material: Catalin (phenolic resin), decorative resin, mirror, metal fittings and textile lining
Colour: Translucent ruby red with dark marbling, pearlised gold and black
Dimensions: Approximately 20 × 12 × 7 cm
Weight: 424 g
Origin: European, exact manufacturer unidentified
An uncommon and highly decorative example of Art Deco vanity design, particularly appealing to collectors of Catalin, early plastics, Art Deco decorative arts and distinctive 20th-century design objects.
Seller's Story
Archivio51 is a business specializing in the research, selection and sale of vintage, design and collectible objects, chosen for their authenticity, aesthetic quality, history and character.
The selection mainly includes interior complements and decorative objects, vintage lighting, globes and maps, perpetual desk calendars, pharmacy and apothecary items, display mannequins and busts, walking sticks, objects in bronze, brass, marble, onyx and wood, industrial and workshop items, signs, decorative containers and other small collectible items.
Each piece is individually researched and selected, with particular attention to its period, provenance, materials, craftsmanship, original patina and condition. When possible, the object is also studied and contextualized to reconstruct its history, era and function.
Archivio51 operates primarily through online sales platforms, addressing collectors, vintage and design enthusiasts, interior designers and international clients seeking original and uncommon objects.
The goal is not merely to sell used objects, but to bring pieces with a story back to light and give them a new place, preserving their identity, charm and authenticity.
Archivio51 – Selection of uncommon, timeless objects.
Translated by Google TranslateRare Art Deco Catalin Jewellery Box – Ruby Red Lava Flow – 1930s
An exceptional and visually striking Art Deco jewellery and vanity box, dating to approximately the 1930s, beautifully crafted in ruby-red marbled Catalin (phenolic resin) and featuring an extraordinary combination of colours, textures and decorative details.
A remarkable example of the sophisticated decorative taste of the Art Deco period, when innovative materials, bold geometric forms and luxurious finishes transformed everyday objects into elegant design statements.
The most captivating feature is its spectacular ruby-red Catalin body, displaying deep burgundy and dark marbled inclusions reminiscent of flowing lava, polished gemstones and precious red jasper.
Its translucent, almost jewel-like appearance creates a fascinating changing effect as light passes through the material, revealing extraordinary depth and intensity of colour.
The front is embellished with a magnificent golden pearlised panel featuring flowing black wave-like stripes, creating a dramatic three-dimensional visual effect. This distinctive Ocean Wave / Ripple decoration provides a sophisticated contrast to the vibrant ruby-red body.
Inside, the box reveals a beautifully preserved red velvet-like lining, together with an integrated rectangular mirror surrounded by an elegant mother-of-pearl-effect frame. The four geometric corner ornaments recall the architectural Skyscraper motifs characteristic of the Art Deco movement.
The carefully designed structure incorporates gently rounded edges, original-style metal hinges and four small cylindrical feet, giving the box a refined and balanced silhouette.
Originally conceived as an elegant dressing-table accessory, this remarkable piece remains equally appealing today as a decorative collector's object.
Condition
Very good vintage condition, retaining its beautiful glossy finish, rich translucent colouring and attractive original patina.
The interior lining is well preserved, the mirror is present and the hinges appear sound. Minor surface marks consistent with age and careful use. The mirror has not yet been fully cleaned.
Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.
Details
Period: Circa 1930s, Art Deco
Style: Art Deco / Boudoir / Vanity
Material: Catalin (phenolic resin), decorative resin, mirror, metal fittings and textile lining
Colour: Translucent ruby red with dark marbling, pearlised gold and black
Dimensions: Approximately 20 × 12 × 7 cm
Weight: 424 g
Origin: European, exact manufacturer unidentified
An uncommon and highly decorative example of Art Deco vanity design, particularly appealing to collectors of Catalin, early plastics, Art Deco decorative arts and distinctive 20th-century design objects.
Seller's Story
Archivio51 is a business specializing in the research, selection and sale of vintage, design and collectible objects, chosen for their authenticity, aesthetic quality, history and character.
The selection mainly includes interior complements and decorative objects, vintage lighting, globes and maps, perpetual desk calendars, pharmacy and apothecary items, display mannequins and busts, walking sticks, objects in bronze, brass, marble, onyx and wood, industrial and workshop items, signs, decorative containers and other small collectible items.
Each piece is individually researched and selected, with particular attention to its period, provenance, materials, craftsmanship, original patina and condition. When possible, the object is also studied and contextualized to reconstruct its history, era and function.
Archivio51 operates primarily through online sales platforms, addressing collectors, vintage and design enthusiasts, interior designers and international clients seeking original and uncommon objects.
The goal is not merely to sell used objects, but to bring pieces with a story back to light and give them a new place, preserving their identity, charm and authenticity.
Archivio51 – Selection of uncommon, timeless objects.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Weight
424 g
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Italy
Manufacturer/brand
Rare 1930s Art Deco Catalin (Bakelite) Jewellery Box Vanity Box – Ruby Red Lava Flow – Pearlised
Material
Bakelite
Style
Art Deco
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
7 cm
Width
20 cm
Depth
12 cm
Estimated period
1930-1940
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