Antique Cufflinks Nouveau Man Woman Gold Theater Actor Mask French Unisex (5337)

Antique Art Nouveau gentleman's cufflinks. 18k yellow gold. Actor Mask Theatre theme with Maidens. French, circa 1890-1905.

 

Measurements: Maiden is approximately 17mm long. Combined weight is 12.2grams. Note ruler in 'photo is in inches.

 

Each cufflink consists of a theatre mask on one side of a gold chain and a young woman with flowing swirling hair high Art Nouveau style. The maidens are almost Madonna like in appearance. The masks, are not the usual happy sad, but more youth vs old-age, with one sporting a huge hair do framing his face, the other bald, with a huge beard. Both masks have the exxaggerated style of the theatre and are reminiscent of Japanese masks, which are known to have influenced the French Art Nouveau movement. Fine detail and workmanship.

 

Marks: hallmarks are on the rings joining the links to the chain and on the chain itself. The back of the masks have very finely engraved DEPOSE marks. Hallmarks are a little worn.

 

Condition: good with negligible wear commensurate with age.