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Delightful item, antique Art Nouveau jewelry casket (trinket box) produced by the Belgian foundry or manufacturer marked JANCO. It dates back to the Belle Époque / Art Nouveau period, roughly circa 1890–1910.
Probably made of spelter (a zinc-based alloy) that was originally finished with a silvered plating (silvered spelter). Over the decades, much of the silver plating has worn or oxidized, giving it its current dark pewter-like patina.
The box features quintessential Art Nouveau styling, characterized by fluid, organic forms, whiplash curves, and stylized floral and leaf motifs embossed across the domed lid and curvilinear sides.
The box stands on four ornate, integrated cabriole-style legs ending in stylized feet, standing approximately 8 cm high.
The Maker's Mark ("JANCO")The crisp rectangular stamp on the bottom shows the brand JANCO overlaid on a decorative lattice or diamond-hatched texture. While often confused in casual searches with the Romanian-Israeli avant-garde artist Marcel Janco (who experimented briefly with Art Nouveau in his youth), this specific mark belongs to a Belgian metalware foundry active at the turn of the 20th century. The company specialized in decorative cast alloy statues, religious ornaments, and silvered table items.
JANCO from this era are highly collectible examples of European Belle Époque decorative art.
JANCO jewelry caskets typically retail on antique platforms like Etsy for between £100 and £150 GBP ($130 – $200 USD).
A superb example of lovely style and design. With a good working hinge and of classic Art Nouveau style and design.
