Vintage early 20th century 1920s art deco enamel compact

Vintage early 20th century 1920s art deco enamel compact. A wonderful small compact with an amazing art deco design to front ( some minor age related wear see pictures does not detract from the beauty of the item).

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6 cm wide

7 cm depth

2 cm tall

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Enamel compacts became popular as a decorative accessory with the rise of commercial makeup in the 20th century, evolving from earlier, concealed powder cases. The Art Deco era (1920s-1930s) is considered a peak for their design, with styles ranging from sleek and geometric to highly ornate, using techniques like guilloché enamel on materials like silver and gold. After World War II, they continued to be made, but their role as a mass-market fashion item declined by the 1970s with changing makeup trends and the rise of plastic and cheaper powders.

Art Deco was a design movement from the 1910s to the 1930s, originating in France and flourishing between the World Wars as a symbol of modernity and luxury. It was characterized by bold geometric shapes, streamlined forms, and rich ornamentation, drawing influences from various sources like Cubism, global art from ancient Egypt and Africa, and a fascination with the speed and progress of the machine age. The movement's popularity waned after World War II.

Origins and influences

French roots: The style emerged in Paris in the early 1910s as a reaction to the organic forms of Art Nouveau, moving towards more structured and geometric designs.

Interwar period: It reached its peak in the 1920s and 1930s, a time of economic prosperity and cultural change, which it mirrored with its emphasis on glamour, speed, and a new, modern lifestyle.

Diverse sources: Art Deco absorbed a wide range of influences, including:

Art movements: Cubism and Orphism

Global art: Egyptian art (especially after the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922), African and Japanese art

Other cultural phenomena: The Russian Ballets and the dynamism of the machine age

Characteristics

Geometric shapes: Characterized by symmetrical designs, zigzags, chevrons, and stylized floral patterns.

Luxurious materials: Utilized rich and modern materials such as chrome, aluminum, plastic, and stainless steel, along with traditional luxury materials like silk and ivory.

Stylized forms: Featured streamlined, sleek forms and bright, vibrant colors.

Key motifs: Common motifs included stylized sunbursts and stepped forms, as seen in architecture.

Key examples

Architecture: Iconic buildings like the Chrysler Building in New York City and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris are prime examples.

Objects: The style appeared in a vast array of decorative arts, including jewelry, furniture, and household items, with figures like Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann being a pioneer in luxury design.