Marguerite Stix Shell Minaudiere with a Pearl and Cabochon Ruby Clasp circa 1965

Description

This rare shell minaudiere from Marguerite Stix has a ruby cabochon and large blister pearl for the clasp and a … more This rare shell minaudiere from Marguerite Stix has a ruby cabochon and large blister pearl for the clasp and a gold washed frame. It is signed Stix on both sides of the clasp and the interior is lined with chamois. It is in excellent condition.
Marguerite Stix was born in Vienna and although she was too young to be a member of the Wiener Werkstatte she nevertheless became a protege of Josef Hoffman at a very young age. She worked as a sculptor and artist in Vienna until she was forced to flee the German invasion of Austria in 1938. She fled to Paris where she began designing a line of ceramic pins and buttons. These became favourites of the Haute Couture houses of Molyneux, Balenciaga, Schiaparelli, Lanvin and Patou. In 1941 she was interred in a concentration camp in France. When she was released she made her way to America. She had her first show as a sculptor in New York City in 1951, working in terra cotta and bronze. She began to make jewellery in the mid 1960's until her death in 1975. She had a solo exhibit at Cartier in 1972 and they continued to sell her jewellery.
Measurements; Height 5" Width 5" Circumference 10"

Please see the measurements noted above in the description for best approximate dimensions less