PAIR OF GOLD AND ENAMEL BACHELOR BUTTONS, ALEXIS FALIZE, CIRCA 1870

Each circular button depicting a hen and a cockerel in polychrome cloissoné enamel, the reverse decorated with turquoise enamel, French assay and maker's marks.

Cf: Sotheby's Catalogue, Jewels Antique and Contemporary, London 28th March 2007, Lot 30 for a pair of similar buttons by Alexis Falize.

Good condition with some abrasions to gold both stamped with makers mark and eagle head for 18ct gold.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Alexis Falize's enthusiasm for the new movement Japonaiserie was fuelled by his discovery of a series of albums on Japanese art .  Hokusai's fifteen-volume Magna, a pictorial encyclopaedia of Japanese life, was used frequently by Falize who reproduced the designs through Antoine Tard's vivid cloisonné enamels from brooches to perfume flasks, all presented in cases with Japanese silk coverings.