Jugendstil / Art Nouveau Box in Partly Ebonized Solid Oak, Austria, 1900

Overview. High Jugendstil / Art Nouveau casket box from Austria, circa 1900. Restrained, geometric silhouette that favours line and contrast over applied ornament. Design. Partly ebonized narrow bands frame the natural oak panels, producing a strong two-tone effect. Recessed decorative lines and a flat lid create a clean, architectural appearance. Materials. Constructed in solid oak with near-black ebonized accents. Fitted with an original brass lock escutcheon and brass hinges; finished with hand-applied shellac. Dimensions. W 30 cm × D 25.5 cm × H 18 cm. Compact proportions suitable for documents, jewellery or keepsakes. Provenance. Austrian manufacture, production period ca. 1890–1919 (circa 1900).