Box Description

Box. Oscar B. Bach (stamped signature). New York, New York. Probably 1920-1930. Copper alloy with chemical patina, enamel, mahogany. Height overall: 2 5/8"; Width overall: 4 5/8"; Depth overall: 5 1/8".

This rectangular lidded box rests on four slightly protruding button feet. Each side has four horizontal bands of ornamentation consisting of an upper band of delicate abstract vertical reeding, above a wider prominent band of a regular serpentine pattern, above two lesser bands of abstract vertical reeding.

The hinged lid has a small shell-shaped handle protruding from the front edge and opens to reveal a mahogany-lined interior. The lid top is defined by a narrow flat frame that contains four corner spandrels filled with stylized vines and grape clusters, and a large central reserve filled with blue-green enamel. Framed on this enameled reserve is a composition of two full-length figures, one male and one female, caught in motion walking toward the viewer with flowing hair and classical drapery.

The box bottom is stamped Oscar B Bach. This object is probably intended to be a cigarette box or a small coffer for a gentleman's dressing room.