Cartier Brass and Copper Enigma Box, 1959
About the Item
- Creator:Cartier (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1959
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Atlanta, GA
- Reference Number:
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Atlanta, GA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Montagnani Italy Brass and Burl Wood Box, 1970sBy MontagnaniLocated in Atlanta, GAMontagnani Firenze, Italy, designed this exquisite decorative box. Its Mid-Century modernist design boasts an elongated rectangular flat shape, with burl-wood geometric marquetry ven...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Valenti, Spain Modernist Wood and Brass Tall Lidded BoxBy ValentiLocated in Atlanta, GAValenti, Spain, designed this lovely high-end quality modernist decorative lidded box in the 1980s. The yachting style has a tropical wood faceted body with a brass lid and handles. ...Category
Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Noel BC Chrome and Brass Metal Desk Set and Box, Italy 1970sBy Noel BCLocated in Atlanta, GAItalian designer Noel BC Italy designed this modernist desk accessory set in the 1970s. The set is built with a rectangular box and a contact book. The pieces boast a geometric shape with chrome and gilt brass design in silver and gold colors. The interior of the box is in black Lucite or acrylic. The contact book is in immaculate condition and has never been used. The best way to keep your contacts in a safe place is the old-fashioned way. The desktop set...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMetal, Brass, Chrome
- Empire Revival Leather and Brass Decorative Box, Italy 1950sBy Various MakersLocated in Atlanta, GAThis stylish 1950s Italian decorative lidded box has an Empire-revival flair. The tall rectangular shape boasts a classic modernist design, with gilded brass metal framing over a woo...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Empire Revival Decorative Boxes
MaterialsBrass
- Modernist Brass Box with Gilt Decor, France 1940sBy Metal Arts StudiosLocated in Atlanta, GAThis stunning decorative box was crafted in France in the 1940s. The geometric square shape has a modernist minimalist design with industrial flair. The quality brass metal has an in...Category
Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Neoclassic Modernist Brass Urn Box Tea CaddyBy Fine English CompanyLocated in Atlanta, GAThis stylish neoclassical modernist decorative lidded box or tea caddy boasts a rectangular shape with a streamlined design. The piece features polished brass metal with a hinged dom...Category
Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Revival Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Otar Stacked Brass and Copper BoxBy Otar USALocated in Van Nuys, CAThis rare 1935 all-original decorative box was designed and produced by John Otar in California. The box features individual triangular brass and copper plates stacked to create a sp...Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Decorative Boxes
MaterialsBrass, Copper
- Brass and Copper Textured Lidded BoxLocated in Los Angeles, CATextured copper box with brass detailing. The exterior of the box features pebbled like texture, perfectly patinated with brass hinges, ball feet and detailing. The hinged box is per...Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Decorative Boxes
MaterialsBrass, Copper
- Antique Brass and Copper Betel Nut BoxLocated in Chapel Hill, NCAntique Philippine Brass and Copper Betel Nut Box. The top lifts to reveal 2 hinged compartments that held the betel leaf and areca nut. Inlaid in c...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Philippine Tribal Decorative Boxes
MaterialsBrass, Copper
- Otar Stacked Brass and Copper Box, PairBy John OtarLocated in Van Nuys, CAPair of matching rare 1935 all-original decorative boxes designed and produced by John Otar in California. These boxes feature individual triangular brass and copper plates stacked t...Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
MaterialsCopper
- Antique Brass and Copper inlaid Betel Nut BoxLocated in Chapel Hill, NCAntique Philippine Brass and Copper inlaid Betel Nut Box. The top lifts to reveal 2 hinged compartments that held the betel leaf, areca nut. Top is ...Category
Antique 1870s Decorative Boxes
MaterialsBrass, Copper
- Cartier Marble BoxesBy CartierLocated in Munich, DEElegant marble boxes made for Cartier with the silver engraved Logo in excellent condition.Category
1990s French Hollywood Regency Decorative Boxes
MaterialsMarble
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.