Ph. Wolfers For Wolfers Frères (1918-1935), Primerose Bonbonniere, Silver 1925

Philippe Wolfers for Wolfers Frères – Bonbonnière "Primerose", Silver 950, Brussels 1925 Art Déco · Sterling Silver 950 · Wolfers Frères, Brussels · Documented in Literature

A lidded bonbonnière in sterling silver 950, model Primerose, designed by Philippe Wolfers for Wolfers Frères, Brussels, circa 1925. Heavy construction, exceptional quality — 527 grams of sterling silver for a total height of 15.3 cm (body height 12 cm, diameter 11 cm). The Primerose model belongs to the Art Déco phase of Philippe Wolfers's production, characterised by rigorous geometry and formal fullness inherited from his Art Nouveau mastery.

Piece documented in the standard reference literature: Raf Steel, W.B. Adriaenssens, La Dynastie Wolfers — De l'Art Nouveau à l'Art Déco, p. 189.

Philippe Wolfers (Brussels, 1858–1929) is one of the emblematic figures of Belgian Art Nouveau, alongside Victor Horta, Henry van de Velde and Paul Hankar. As artistic director of Wolfers Frères, he designed a considerable number of silverware and jewellery pieces between 1886 and 1929 whose reputation extended well beyond Belgium's borders. His late work, of which the Primerose bonbonnière is a prime example, marks his accomplished transition to Art Déco — purity of volumes, ornamental restraint, uncompromising quality of execution.

The Wolfers collection is today exhibited at the Musées Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire at the Cinquantenaire in Brussels, within the reconstructed interior of the Wolfers Frères boutique designed by Victor Horta in 1909. Works by Wolfers are also held in the collections of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

• Total height: 15.3 cm · Body height: 12 cm · Diameter: approx. 11 cm
• Weight: 527 g
• Material: sterling silver 950
• Model: Primerose · Philippe Wolfers for Wolfers Frères, Brussels, circa 1925
• Literature: Raf Steel, W.B. Adriaenssens, La Dynastie Wolfers — De l'Art Nouveau à l'Art Déco, p. 189
• Condition: very good

Seen in museums — available to you.

Available for viewing by appointment at our Düsseldorf gallery.

Keywords integrated: Philippe Wolfers, Primerose bonbonnière, silver 950, Wolfers Frères Brussels, Art Déco Belgian silversmithing, Victor Horta, Musées Royaux Brussels, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Metropolitan Museum New York