Vintage Vase in Metal Brass

This hammered and engraved casing with floral motifs is a beautiful example of French Trench Art (« Art des tranchées ») from WWI (1914-1918). Some soldiers were highly skilled craftsmen in civilian life – goldsmiths, engravers, coppersmiths – or farmers with great manual dexterity in the manufacture of folk art objects. Forced into inaction and immobility by trench warfare, and with large quantities of metal at their disposal, they developed this popular craft to stave off boredom and retain their humanity. Made of solid brass and marked 1915 on its base, this particular design showcases a Repoussé naturalistic floral composition that wraps continuously around the body: a daisy or chrysanthemum with radiating petals and a scored center disc; sinuous stems running vertically across the body; serrated leaves in mid and low relief; and what reads on the opposite side as an elongated floral bud — possibly Lily of the valley — with internal linear detail between two curved flanking stems. Heavy verdigris has settled throughout, deepest in the recessed areas, lending the piece a distinctly raw, archaeological presence. Dimensions: H 23 cm × Ø 9 cm (9.1 × 3.5 in) — 0.8 kg / 1.76 lbs. Works well for single stems or dried arrangements. The Art Deco design suits dining rooms, console tables, or mantelpieces. Its vintage patina adds character to collected displays.