Art deco rectangular vanity case (L: 8 x W: 4,6 x H: 1,5 cm.), with silver gilt mounts and a 18crt gold chain (L: 9,5 cm.).
The lid set with original Japanese gold laquerwork panel showing the mount Fuji.
The silver gilt case red enamelled, looking like red laquerwork.
The mounts signed and numbered: Janesisch 11039. Paris ca. 1925-1935.
Janesich is best known for its dazzling Art Deco jewellery and accessories, but the story of this jewellery dynasty actually begins a century earlier. In 1835, Trieste was a busy trading port and tourist destination for the Austrian elite, and it was here that accomplished goldsmith Leopoldo Janesich opened his first shop. Initially, he produced classic 19th-century floral designs, setting diamonds in gold-backed silver. As his prestige grew, he developed his designs into belle epoque jewels, in which diamonds were mounted on platinum in beautifully delicate patterns. The firm expanded across Italy, and, under the direction of Leopoldo’s son, Giovanni, opened on Rue de Lafayette in Paris in 1896. Supported in turn by his sons, Leopoldo continued to advance the business and collaborated with many esteemed jewellery houses. In the 1920s and 30s, Janesich was at the height of its powers, participating in prestigious fairs and receiving Royal Warrants. With the hardship caused by World War II, the company scaled back its operations and returned its focus to Trieste, where it all began. The business is still based there, led by the sixth generation of the Janesich family.
