A rare Art Deco Egyptian Revival masterpiece of a Winged Scarab Insect Brooch done in Plique a Jour Enamel over Silver. The Museum Quality brooch depicts a winged Scarab beetle, one of the signature motifs of the Egyptian Revival movement.
The brooch is done with extraordinary Purple and Green iridescent Plique a Jour Enamel. Plique Enamel requires the skills of a master artisan to create. When finished, the Plique enamel creates a see through enamel which allows light to shine through, reminiscent of a stained glass window. This brooch is a masterpiece of the technique and one of the most beautiful pieces we have seen. The brooch pin is Silver with a gold wash. It dates to the Art Nouveau to Art Deco period, circa 1880-1920. It has its early C-clasp. The brooch could be easily converted to a pendant necklace if desired.
Plique-à-jour (French for "letting in daylight") is a vitreous enameling technique where the enamel is applied in cells, similar to cloisonné, but with no backing in the final product, so light can shine through the transparent or translucent enamel. It is in effect a miniature version of stained-glass and is considered very challenging technically: high time...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Revival Cufflinks