Jewelry Box, c. 1923

Cast bronze with chemical patina, blue enamel, mahogany; stamped with script signature, Oscar B Bach on bottom.

2 5/8 x 4 5/8 x 5 1/8 inches

This rectangular lidded box rests on four slightly protruding button feet. Each side has four horizontal bands of ornamentation consisting of an upper band of delicate abstract vertical reeding, above a wider prominent band of a regular serpentine pattern, above two lesser bands of abstract vertical reeding. The hinged lid has a small shell-shaped handle protruding from the front edge and opens to reveal a mahogany-lined interior. The lid top is defined by a narrow flat frame that contains four corner spandrels filled with stylized vines and grape clusters, and a large central reserve filled with blue-green enamel. Framed on this enameled reserve is a composition of two full-length female figures, caught in motion walking toward the viewer with flowing hair and classical drapery.

Photo by Lee Brauer©