A fine sterling silver and jadeite jade matchbox cover/holder, by Edward I. Farmer of New York. The front of this piece features a carved piece of jadeite jade which has been set into an engraved sterling silver mount. The piece appears to have remnants of a gilt wash, which Farmer often applied to his sterling pieces. A beautiful and practical piece from the Art Deco era which is in exceptional condition for its age.
Edward I. Farmer was a prominent American art dealer, antique trader and creator of luxury objects. He operated his own business 'Edward I. Farmer Inc.' for 29 years before his death in 1942. German in origin, Farmer travelled widely in his youth and collected antiquities especially those of oriental origin, which were often later crafted into prized objects at his studio in New York. He worked out of the Carlyle Hotel at one point and has been described as an 'art and antique dealer and collector of Chinese jades and porcelains'. Farmer would regularly turn elaborate and carved semi precious stones into works of art by making them into boxes, inkwells, push buttons and other desk accessories. Farmer mostly worked with sterling silver, however there are examples in 18 karat gold which are exceedingly rare. Often regarded to be in the taste of 'Cartier', Farmer was highly regarded and created incredible, one of a kind objects.
Signed to underside 'Edward I. Farmer' along with 'N.Y.' and 'Sterling'
Measures - 6.25cm x 3.75cm
Weight - 51.5 grams