This lovely "Toledo" cigarette case is in excellent antique condition!
All surfaces are free of any major flaws, the hinge is in perfect working order as is the push claps opening. The case snaps open cleanly and closes firmly and securely, measures 8 cm x 8.5 cm!
AUTHENTIC GUARANTEE!
Use for its original purpose as a cigarette case, or repurpose as a unique and exotic business card case etc.
Packaging & Postage with tracking number is R35.00
History:
Frequently misunderstood and misidentified, true damascene is a special find for those who appreciate finely handcrafted jewelry. Its intricate designs are composed of precious gold and silver embedded into base metal, such as steel. Today this jewelry comes from two distinctly different cities - Toledo, Spain and Kyoto, Japan - both of which originally acquired the technique from the same source.
Damascene-style work is said to have been practiced by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, but was developed into a high art by the craftsmen of Damascus, Syria more than 2,000 years ago. During what is known in Japan as the Nara period (between 710 and 794 A.D.), this technique for decorating metal was carried along the Silk Road from Damascus to Japan. Around the same time, the Moors conquered what is now Spain, bringing the damascene style of decoration with them. This beautiful art form took root in both countries and evolved independently in each place. Interestingly, the production of damascene jewelry largely disappeared from the Mideast and today there is no prominent maker located in that part of the world.
The Spanish method of damascening is very similar, yet somewhat different. The artwork is typically made on small plaques which are later prong-set into the finished piece of jewelry.They also first slash or score the surface of a base metal plaque to permit the gold and silver to adhere to the plaque. The precious metals are then laid onto this scored surface and pounded into the grooves using a mate (punch) and maceta (small hammer). The black background is created by oxidation with a very hot bluing solution which leaves the precious metals unchanged. Spanish damascene work is then finished with a delicate chipping process called repasado which gives a beautiful sheen to the gold work. Both 24 karat yellow gold and 18 karat green gold, as well as silver, are used in Spanish damascene.
