Art Nouveau brass box with lid or bowl by Otto Prutscher, Melzer & Neuhardt, 1920s

A rare and elegant oval brass box or bowl in Art Nouveau "Jugendstil" style from the 1920s, designed by Otto Prutscher (Vienna, 1880–1949) and made by Melzer & Neuhardt in Vienna. This piece exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, evident for instance in the finely hand-hammered brass and the delicate, charming feet. Carefully hand-polished, the box is in good condition. A remarkable example of early 20th-century Viennese art.