99th Auction
2019/5/11
Lot 490
"S&D" (Sené & Détalla à Genève), 42 x 23 x 11 mm, 29 g, circa 1805
An exquisite gold enamel vinaigrette "Peacock Butterfly"
Case: gold, polychrome enamel, makers' mark "S&D" (Sené & Détalla), Geneva, French gold stamp cock's head 1798-1809.
The vinaigrette is formed like a butterfly, with opaque polychrome painting that gives it the appearance of a peacock moth. The sides are ornamented with translucent red enamel with panels of white, black and blue "taille d'épargne" enamel. The inside holds a hinged open-work foliate grille that covers the compartment for the sponge. The container is suspended on a long gold chain of shaped foral links with "taille d'épargne" ornamentation and matching ring - a marvellous object for cabinet display in outstanding condition.
The partnership of Geneva goldsmiths Sené and Détalla must have existed before 1795 and was most likely disolved in 1805; in 1798 Sené had formed a partnership with his brother-in-law Henry Neisser, who had moved from Hanau to Geneva in 1783 and the company was renamed to Sené & Neisser in October 1805. Philippe Sené died in November 1807 and in 1808 Neisser registered his own master’s mark.
An exquisite gold enamel vinaigrette "Peacock Butterfly"
Case: gold, polychrome enamel, makers' mark "S&D" (Sené & Détalla), Geneva, French gold stamp cock's head 1798-1809.
The vinaigrette is formed like a butterfly, with opaque polychrome painting that gives it the appearance of a peacock moth. The sides are ornamented with translucent red enamel with panels of white, black and blue "taille d'épargne" enamel. The inside holds a hinged open-work foliate grille that covers the compartment for the sponge. The container is suspended on a long gold chain of shaped foral links with "taille d'épargne" ornamentation and matching ring - a marvellous object for cabinet display in outstanding condition.
The partnership of Geneva goldsmiths Sené and Détalla must have existed before 1795 and was most likely disolved in 1805; in 1798 Sené had formed a partnership with his brother-in-law Henry Neisser, who had moved from Hanau to Geneva in 1783 and the company was renamed to Sené & Neisser in October 1805. Philippe Sené died in November 1807 and in 1808 Neisser registered his own master’s mark.
Sold
estimated
9.000—15.000 €
Price realized
13.700 €