ALEXIS FALIZE ANTIQUE REVERSIBLE ENAMEL LOCKET

The present lot is a fine example of the tradition, expertise and originality of the house of Falize. Founded in Paris by Alexis Falize (1811-1898) in 1838, the Falize family dynasty lasted for three generations. Alexis Falize collaborated with enameller Antoine Tard during his career and together they created jewels that reflected meticulous execution and quality craftsmanship.

This locket was designed and mounted by Alexis Falize and reflects the influence of Japanese art and motifs in France during the mid-to-late nineteenth century. With Falize’s direction, Antoine Tard used gold wire to form the cells of the design, into which the powdered enamel was placed. Each plaque, both outside and inside of the locket, depict separate themes and color schemes. The two birds on the front panel appear to be inspired by birds depicted in the Japanese encyclopedia, Kinmo zui, Zo-Bo-kin Mo Dzu, published in 1789.

The exquisite and meticulous detail of this locket is demonstrative of the incredible workmanship and enameling that the house of Falize produced. Lockets of similar form and design by Falize reside in important museum collections, including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum. Additionally, this locket and other enamel works by Falize and Tard were exhibited in the Union Centrale des Beaux-Arts appliqués à l'Industrie in 1869.