{"product_id":"rare-art-deco-austrian-bruder-frank-plique-a-jour-guilloche-enamel-agate-silver-compact","title":"Art Deco Brüder Frank Plique-à-Jour Enamel Agate Silver Compact","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Exceptionally Rare Brüder Frank Viennese Compact with Plique-à-Jour and Guilloché Enamel, Natural Agate and a Richly Gilded Interior\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCreated in Vienna during the Art Deco era, this extraordinary compact by \u003cb\u003eBrüder Frank\u003c\/b\u003e is distinguished by an exceptionally rare combination of plique-à-jour enamel, green guilloché enamel, natural agate and gilded 935 silver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe circular lid is centered by a remarkable agate panel displaying dramatic moss-like dendritic inclusions. Resembling a miniature landscape captured within stone, its natural pattern provides an organic focal point unlike any traditionally painted decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSurrounding the agate is an extensive floral composition executed in \u003cb\u003eplique-à-jour enamel\u003c\/b\u003e, with translucent shades of green, cobalt blue, red, amber and pale opalescent enamel suspended within delicate silver cells. Meaning “letting in daylight,” plique-à-jour is created without a permanent metal backing, allowing the enamel to transmit light like miniature stained glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis demanding technique requires exceptional control during repeated firings. Because the enamel is both technically difficult to produce and inherently fragile, comparatively few period compacts employing extensive plique-à-jour work have survived in well-preserved condition. The technique is considerably rarer than conventional painted, champlevé or guilloché enamel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA deep emerald-green \u003cb\u003eguilloché enamel\u003c\/b\u003e border frames the plique-à-jour decoration and continues across the reverse. The finely engine-turned pattern beneath the translucent green enamel creates movement and depth as the compact is viewed from different angles. Its rich green coloring forms an especially harmonious relationship with the natural dendritic formations visible within the agate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOpening the compact reveals a warmly \u003cb\u003egilded 935 silver interior\u003c\/b\u003e, fitted with a mirror and a separate hinged powder compartment. The golden surface adds richness and contrast while demonstrating the high level of finish given to every part of the object, including those areas not visible when the compact is closed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe compact bears the oval \u003cb\u003eBF maker’s mark\u003c\/b\u003e for Brüder Frank together with \u003cb\u003eAUSTRIA, STERLING, 935\u003c\/b\u003e and an Austrian assay mark. These markings confirm its Austrian manufacture and high silver standard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMore than a functional vanity accessory, this is an exceptionally accomplished example of early 20th-century Viennese decorative art. The union of luminous plique-à-jour, emerald guilloché enamel, natural agate and gilded silver elevates it into the category of a true \u003cb\u003eobjet de vertu\u003c\/b\u003e. Although related Brüder Frank compact designs are known, examples displaying this distinctive green palette and dendritic agate configuration appear to be exceptionally scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Features\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"ul1\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMaker:\u003c\/b\u003e Brüder Frank, also known as Gebrüder Frank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/b\u003e Vienna, Austria\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/b\u003e Art Deco, circa 1920s–1930s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMetal:\u003c\/b\u003e 935 silver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFinish:\u003c\/b\u003e Richly gilded interior with gilt accents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEnamel Techniques:\u003c\/b\u003e Plique-à-jour and guilloché enamel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCentral Panel:\u003c\/b\u003e Natural agate with moss-like dendritic inclusions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eColors:\u003c\/b\u003e Emerald green, cobalt blue, red, amber and opalescent tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eInterior:\u003c\/b\u003e Fitted mirror and separate hinged powder compartment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eShape:\u003c\/b\u003e Circular\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/b\u003e Approximately 2.5 inches or 6.35 centimeters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMarks:\u003c\/b\u003e BF, AUSTRIA, STERLING, 935 and Austrian assay mark\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"li1\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Excellent antique condition with age-appropriate surface wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCollector’s Note\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFounded in Vienna in 1887, Brüder Frank became known for finely constructed silver cases, boxes, compacts and luxury accessories created for an international clientele. The workshop employed numerous decorative techniques, but objects combining extensive plique-à-jour enamel with guilloché surfaces and natural hardstone are particularly uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDocumented Brüder Frank objects were occasionally retailed by prestigious international firms, including Alfred Dunhill. Such pieces bear direct retailer inscriptions or supporting provenance. This compact is not marked Dunhill and is presented solely as a rare and exceptional work by Brüder Frank of Vienna.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DSF Antique Jewelry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45165743079490,"sku":null,"price":12500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0142\/3405\/8816\/files\/hi.jpg?v=1788714579","url":"https:\/\/dsfantiquejewelry.com\/products\/rare-art-deco-austrian-bruder-frank-plique-a-jour-guilloche-enamel-agate-silver-compact","provider":"DSF Antique Jewelry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}