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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Furniture, Design & Mirrors / Bowl - Fascinating Art Deco Trophy-Cup (1933) - Oriental...
Fascinating Art Deco Trophy-Cup (1933) - Oriental Ornamental Osmosis - Engraved "F.E.A. Coupe de l'Afrique du Nord" ONE OF A KIND, a fascinating and rare ceremonial trophy-cup bearing the authentic historical engraving "F.E.A. Coupe de l'Afrique du Nord 1933" — featuring entirely hand-crafted motifs where no two designs are alike. An exclusive commission piece, representing a pinnacle of applied arts from the interwar period. ORNAMENTAL OSMOSIS: WHEN ART DECO MEETS THE ORIENT Beyond its modernist architectural rigor, this piece of silversmithing reveals an aesthetic secret of infinite delicacy: a subtle oriental graphic influence woven into the heart of the floral motifs and a remarkably virtuosic fine chasing. The fluid arabesques escaping from the frizes evoke with absolute grace the curves of calligraphy and North African ornamentation. Art Deco acts here as a universal translator: it purges the oriental interlaces to convert them into strict geometric modules. A true manifesto of synthesis, this trophy unites European aerodynamic modernism with the sensuality of local arts. Executed in a dazzling ornamental osmosis, this creation gives birth to a genuine masterpiece at the crossroads of cultures. PATRONAGE OF THE ELITES AND COLONIAL PRESTIGE This prestigious commission follows directly in the lineage of the major colonial exhibitions of the period (notably Paris 1931) and the sociology of interwar sporting elites. North African elite groups used these ceremonial objects as absolute manifestos of prestige, combining sports and bourgeois patronage to celebrate excellence. A vibrant echo of the major 1933 matches, this cup embodies the supreme alliance of sport and Art Deco aesthetics. While the acronym F.E.A. — whether it designates football, fencing, or athletics — jealously guards its secret, it is now up to the next holder of this Cup to lift the veil on this page of sporting history. DETAILED ANALYSIS AND FUNCTIONALITY : ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE: Slender baluster silhouette in silvered metal, resting on a geometric hexagonal pedestal, flanked by two side handles sculpted in the shape of profiled double-ribbed fins, typical of 1930s aerodynamic design. CHISELED DECOR : Rigorous decorative program featuring 8 Art Deco motifs (4 on the lid, 4 on the body). While sharing a similar structural design, each motif is entirely unique and hand-crafted: variations in chasing, individual positioning of granulated dots, and subtle micro-details reveal the authentic, inimitable touch of master silversmithing. THE FINIAL: Lid crowned with an elegant geometric diamond-cut faceted gripping knob, crafted in sculpted wood. THE RARE SILVERSMITHING DETAIL: Presence of its original removable inner liner (height 8 cm, opening 12 cm). Beyond its aesthetics, this inner cup gilded with customary vermeil fulfilled an essential practical purpose: protecting the precious metal from oxidation during festive libations, offering the modularity and structural refinement of grand luxury. PERIOD: 1933 (Art Deco) DIMENSIONS: Total height: ~30 cm | Max diameter: ~15 cm | Width (handles): ~21 cm | Opening: ~12 cm (Inner cup: 8 cm) WEIGHT: 855 grams CONDITION: Superb state of conservation in its original antique patina confirmed by the inevitable wear of time. The ensemble retains its unbrushed silvered highlights, while the inner vermeil cup displays noble internal signs of use due to libations, respected to preserve the fragile original gilding and testify to authentic period celebration liquids. ANTIQUES FOUNDRY SELECTION: An exceptional piece bearing witness to the fascinating dialogue between cultures and the aesthetics of the interwar period. The detailed photographs form an integral part of the description. SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS : SHIPPING : Packed with utmost care and security. European Union : 0% taxes and custom duties. Switzerland, United Kingdom, Norway, and United States : Vintage Art Deco decorative art object / collector's trophy cup in silver-plated metal, dated 1933. Unique piece of historical and decorative interest (non-antique, under 100 years old), for collection purposes, to certify its status as a collector's item and facilitate international customs formalities. NOTICE for Non-EU buyers : Any local taxes, import duties, or customs fees specific to the destination country remain the responsibility of the buyer.
Estimate:£189.22
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Estimate:
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A SET OF FOUR REGENCY PAINTED AND PARCEL GILT ARMCHAIRS, BY JOHN GEE
06/24/2026
£2,600
Est: £3,000
