Antique Alfred Daguet Art Nouveau Repoussé Casket, Paris, Circa 1905

An impressive French Art Nouveau casket by Alfred-Louis-Achille Daguet (1875–1942), made in Paris circa 1905.

Of architectural form, the casket stands upon four integral feet and has a steeply pitched lid. Its metal surfaces are extensively worked in repoussé with highly imaginative scenes of stylised birds, fantastic creatures and human figures, recalling the mysterious imagery of medieval manuscripts and ancient mythology.

The decoration is enlivened by numerous coloured glass cabochons in jewel-like shades of red, green, blue and violet. The front is fitted with an elaborate hinged lock plate and two applied gilt-metal ornaments, each centred by a turquoise-blue cabochon. The end panels are similarly decorated with confronting animals, repoussé ornament and surviving polychrome details.

The interior retains its original deep-red patterned lining.

Alfred Daguet was an accomplished Parisian metalsmith whose work combined the Art Nouveau aesthetic with medieval, Byzantine, Celtic, Egyptian and Japanese influences. He studied under the painters Jean-Léon Gérôme and Georges Clairin before establishing his workshop at 22 rue de Provence, directly above Siegfried Bing’s celebrated Maison de l’Art Nouveau.

During the opening years of the twentieth century, Daguet supplied Bing’s influential gallery with distinctive metal-clad decorative boxes and other objets d’art. His work was exhibited at the Salons of the Société des Artistes Français, the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and the Musée Galliera. His distinguished clientele included the celebrated actress Sarah Bernhardt.

A closely comparable casket of virtually identical dimensions was recently sold through FirstDibs. It may be viewed here: CLICK HERE

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/decorative-objects/boxes/decorative-boxes/art-nouveau-animal-husbandry-repousse-box-alfred-daguet/id-f_36731542/

France, circa 1905.

Dimensions:

Width: 32.5 cm
Depth: approximately 20.3 cm
Height: approximately 20.3 cm

Good original condition. Several coloured cabochons are absent, and the original interior lining has areas of wear and deterioration, as clearly shown in the photographs.

Guaranteed to be genuine and of the period stated. A certificate of authenticity will be provided.

Worldwide insured and tracked shipping. Please contact me for the delivery cost to your country. Payment by instalments can be arranged.

With over 50 years of full-time professional experience in the antiques trade, including as a senior specialist and auctioneer in London, you may buy with complete confidence.

We speak English and French. Nous parlons anglais et français.