Cartier was a major purveyor of precious objects and accessories to smokers since the beginning of the 20th century. The Art Deco period was a great area of creativity and Cartier combined many uses on its objects. In this example, the matchbox holder has been combined to the ashtray. The geometry typical of the period is very simple in this instance. The horizontal round form for the ashtray is combined with the vertical rectangular form for the matchbox holder. Red coral accents contrast well with the obsidian and the gold. Cartier was inspired by Chinese motifs and designs in the Art Deco period and etched particularly successfully a Chinese motif in this example. Bibliography
• Reflections of Elegance, Cartier Jewels from the Lindemann Collection, exhibition catalogue (New Orleans, Museum of Art; 1988), New Orleans, Museum of Art Editions, 1988, p. 96, pl. XXX (similar example on oval base).
• Christie’s, Geneva, auction, May 12, 1992, Jewellery by Cartier, lot 542 (formerly from the Lindeman Collection, U.S.A.).
• Antiquorum, Geneva, auction, November 19, 1999, The Magical Art of Cartier, lot 133 (formerly from the Lindeman Collection,U.S.A.).
• Bachet, Olivier, & Cartier, Alain, Cartier, Objets d’Exceptions - Exceptional Objects, Paris & Hong Kong, Editions Palais Royal,2020, vol. I, p. 383 (this object illustrated on top). Certificat
• Cartier, Alain, & Bachet, Olivier, Paris, experts, No. BC 2007-7