A magnificent Austrian large casket box, August Klein, Vienna

A magnificent, beautifully made, late 19th-century large casket of mixed metals and enamel, c.1890, of exceptional quality sufficient to grace a royal residence or stately home.

The cushion-shaped lid with acanthus-decorated strapwork and finial is reminiscent of a crown. The lid itself is covered in bronze fleur-de-lis, the spaces between filled with black enamel. The oval relief enclosures at the front, back, and sides, suggestive of a rood screen, enclose fine scrolling leaf-work, again set in black enamel. With the metalwork slightly proud of the enamel, the surfaces are smooth, yet slightly textured to the touch. The gold-plated (tested) figures at each canted corner suggest caryatids, each with a finely detailed mask of Bacchus with his mouth holding a strap supporting a sheaf of leaves and fruit, with stalks bound together with a bow. The scroll feet are also decorated with gold-plated swags of leaves and fruit.

There is a plaque for “August Klein, Wein, Graben 20”, on the underside of the lid. This casket was probably for the Paris market, where he opened a branch in 1856.

Weight: 8.8kg
Width: 13in (33cm)
Depth: 9in (23cm)
Height: 11in (28cm)

Condition: The condition is exceptionally good for its age. There are some missing screws in the underneath, which appears to be of no effect as everything is secure. To unlock, it helps to slightly lift the lid as the key is turned. The key is needed to fully close the lid, which is then locked. The velvet lining is worn and has separated slightly from the shell of the casket. There is a tiny spot of verdigris at the end of one of the straps of the lid. Please see the image looking down on the entire lid. The spot can be seen at the lower right corner just above the acanthus leaf at the end of the strap.

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Biography: August Klein (1824-1890), began his career as a bookbinder and leather worker. After moving from Nuremberg to Vienna in 1845, he established his own business in 1847, which was highly successful, and by 1854, had expanded its range into high-quality metal and wood wares. The business became famous for luxury and fashion. Klein opened a branch in Paris in 1856 and in London in 1863 and his work received numerous awards at exhibitions. He was made a Knight of Honor by Emperor Franz Joseph in 1881 and granted the Imperial Warrant (Supplier to the Court).