DATE: Art Deco, c.1925

An exceptional pair of enamelled torpedo earrings by Charles Peltant of Limoges. They're decorated with iridescent beetles (possibly cicindelidae, tiger beetles. Run so fast they're temporarily blinded) and lotusy foliate motifs indicating they're probably Art Deco Egyptian Revival as opposed to Art Nouveau as they initially appear.

Limoges, south-western France, has had a few golden eras in enamelling, beginning in the 12th century when a large industry arose producing religious articles in the champlevé (in which troughs or cells are carved, etched, die struck, or cast into the surface of a metal object, and filled with vitreous enamel - thanks wikipedia) style. After an 100 year lull, the industry was revived in the 15th century, this time producing works of painted enamel, and with a secular lilt and featuring fantastically detailed Mannerist (Where High Renaissance art emphasizes proportion, balance, and ideal beauty, Mannerism exaggerates such qualities, often resulting in compositions that are asymmetrical or unnaturally elegant scenes - thanks wikipedia) with elaborate borders. Production was revived in the mid 19th century, with artisans adopting contemporary styles such as Art Nouveau and later Deco, although this time with relatively small production output. These are signed Peltant Limoges (in charming handwritten script) to the reverse, and date from the mid 1920s.

MEASUREMENTS 

Length: 5.2cm

Width: 1.1cm

WEIGHT 

5.3g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as silver gilt

CONDITION 

Excellent