Silver, lacquer and eggshell cigarette case, circa 1925

The rectangular red lacquer and eggshell case decorated with a central geometric band, measuring approximately 102 x 82 x 8mm, French assay and maker's marks.

Mounted in silver, stamped with French assay and maker's mark of S&M within a lozenge either side of an artists palette. Some tarnish and discolouration to silver gilt interior consistent with age and use. Lacquer and eggshell in good condition with some slight wear to corners consistent with age and wear. Exhibition number to exterior edge L87292.
"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.
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The Paris World Trade Fair of 1925 ushered in a new modern movement in the decorative arts, later to be labelled “Art Deco”, by the historian Bevis Hillier in the 1960s, it was the antithesis of everything that had gone before. Some of the designers to embrace the new movement, Raymond Templier, Jean Dunand, Jean Després, Paul Brandt and Gérard Sandoz, were to focus on the design of the object, and consequently favoured material such as silver and lacquer over the more expensive platinum, gold and gem stones to achieve the desired effect. Crushed eggshell was employed to compensate for the absence of white in lacquer by creating a variety of different effects placing crushed eggshell on a lacquer base.

Cubism held a strong influence over the new movement and cigarette cases became one of the perfect vehicles for displaying Cubist inspired designs. Raymond Templier exhibited his cigarette cases as miniature works of art in futuristic vitrines surrounded by the works of Fernand Léger, while Paul Brandt arranged his cigarette cases around modernist pillars creating a modernist installation.