This is a large French Art Nouveau, signed hand-made enamel brooch of 3 poppies on a glowing sky-blue background. The photos do not do this brooch justice. It was created by a master Limoges enamallist from the studio of Bijoux Laurent. Comparing signatures, the artist was most probably G. Funck, who often worked for this company at the turn of the last century. The extraordinary three-dimensional image gives the impression of stained glass. It is signed on the back. Truly one of a kind. Trombone Clasp.
 
Symbolically, poppies have been popular for jewelry since the times of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The flowers represent peace, rest, eternal sleep, resurrection and consolation. The flower was used in Egyptian burial tombs; the Greeks used the flower in the shrines of the Demeter and Diana (goddesses of the hunt and fertility, respectively) and
most recently, its use for wartime remembrance has made it a popular symbol around the world.
 
MATERIALS
Enamel, Gilded brass
 
AGE
c. 1890 – 1920
 
CONDITION
Very good – surface wear commensurate with age and use
 
SIZE:
D 6cm
 
WEIGHT:
23.4g
 
Please read descriptions and inspect photos carefully, paying careful attention to size and weight. Due to the age of antique and vintage jewelry, minor abrasions and wear of finishes is normal and appreciated. All items have been tested to be in working/usable condition, unless otherwise stated. Please take care to understand safe cleaning methods for each type of gem and metal. Jewelry pieces are carefully wrapped and shipped in an elegant black box. Antique boxes in photos are for illustrative purposes only.