Eugène MICHEL (1848-1904) - Lot 298

Eugène MICHEL (1848-1904) Rare covered box in acid-etched multi-layered glass, circa 1880. It presents four distinct views of the Nikkō Mountains in Japan through Western architecture mixed with Asian. Gilded brass frame decorated with pearl and leaf friezes, flamed lid grip. Signature on the wheel, E.Michel de Nancy - Croix de Lorraine Work excecuted before 1885, the year of his arrival in Paris to work with the greatest Masters such as Eugène Rousseau or the great Houses such as l'Escalier de Cristal. All the evidence suggests that our work dates from before 1880, following the Universal Exhibitions of 1867 and 1876, when Japan was invited for the first time - the starting point of Japonism. Here we find the beginnings of the Art Nouveau style of the Napoleon III era. Eugène Michel's signed work is rare, as he mainly worked in large workshops producing pieces signed by others, including Eugène Rousseau, Ernest Léveillé, Harant Guignard and l'Escalier de cristal. H. 18; diam. 13.5 cm