Description This silver gilt cigarette case is decorated with a hand painted panel inspired by Reverie (1898) by Alphonse Mucha and dates to Circa 1965. The rectangular case is finished in silver gilt with a shaped border framing the central panel, which depicts a female figure surrounded by stylised floral ornament in the Art Nouveau taste. The composition closely follows Mucha’s characteristic style, with flowing lines and soft colour work set within a controlled frame. The case opens via a thumb tab to reveal a gilt lined interior, originally fitted for cigarettes. The exterior retains a smooth finish with light surface wear consistent with age and use. The interior is hallmarked solid 925 silver by Bonifazi Donatello of Florence, an Italian maker known for producing silver and gilt objects during the mid 20th century. View the full Antique Cigarette Case Collection. View the full Antique Silver Collection. MEASUREMENTS 2cm High x 9.5cm Wide x 6.5cm Deep (0.8 x 3.75 x 2.56 Inches) CONDITION Very Good Antique condition, some small marks around the front frame Who was Bonifazi donatello? Bonifazi Donatello di Bonifazi Enzo & Mario was a silversmithing firm based in Florence, Italy, operating from Via S. Niccolò, 34. The firm’s mark was officially registered on 29 November 1956. Working in the mid 20th century, the workshop produced silver and silver gilt objects in a range of decorative styles, often reflecting earlier artistic movements such as Art Nouveau. WHO WAS Alphonse Mucha? Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939) was a Czech painter, illustrator and graphic artist, best known for his work during the Art Nouveau period. Based in Paris in the 1890s, he gained international recognition for his decorative posters, particularly those created for the actress Sarah Bernhardt. His work is characterised by stylised female figures, flowing lines and floral ornament, which became closely associated with the visual language of Art Nouveau. In addition to posters, he produced decorative panels, advertisements and designs that were widely distributed across Europe. Later in his career, Mucha returned to his homeland and focused on large scale historical painting, most notably The Slav Epic, a series depicting the history of the Slavic peoples. What is the ART NOUVEAU PERIOD? Art Nouveau was an international style of art and design that developed in the late 19th century, particularly across the decorative arts. It is characterised by flowing lines and forms inspired by nature, especially plants and flowers. The style often emphasises movement and organic structure, with designs that appear continuous rather than rigid. It was widely applied across materials including metal, glass and ceramics, allowing for more fluid and decorative forms. Art Nouveau was most prominent between around 1890 and 1910, during the Belle Époque period, and developed as a departure from the historic revival styles and academic decoration of the 19th century. For further information see our article Art Nouveau Antiques: What Defines the Period and Its Objects. WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production. Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to enjoy ten percent off your first online purchase.
