An important cast iron parure in the original box
Black patinated cast iron, steel and gold. Necklace comprised of 19 quatrefoil links suspending a small medallion with a depiction of the Madonna della Sedia and a large cross. The earrings with quatrefoil cast iron pendants and gold hooks. The two bracelets comprised of eight links and two-part rosette clasps. Rosette form brooch. Stamped mark "GEISS A BERLIN" to the clasps of both bracelets. The brooch pin replaced. In the original brick red leather case with a gold embossed palmette motif. Lined with camel coloured silk. W 37 cm.
Berlin, Johann Conrad Geiss, 1st quarter 19th C.
Johann Conrad Geiss was born in Offenbach and opened a jewellery shop in Berlin in 1794. In 1804, he began producing cast iron jewellery that was as delicate and finely chased as pieces made from gold. Even today, the secret of his precision casting has not been revealed. The technique of his permanent patination also remains a mystery. In 1830, his son Moritz took over the business. Johann Conrad Geiss died in Berlin in 1846.
Provenance
The C. Lith collection.
Literature
Cf. cat. Eisen statt Gold, Berlin 1982, no. 313, for the cross pendant. Cf. cat. Die königliche Eisen-Giesserei zu Berlin 1804 - 1874, Berlin 2004, no. 681, for a similar pendant on a drop earring.