AFRO Basaldella (1912-1976)

Gold Cigarette Case, c. 1955

Unique shallow rectangular hinged case made in embossed 18ct yellow gold and decorated on all sides with abstract motifs in low relief. With original khaki kid pouch. Designed by Afro Basaldella and made in the gold workshop of Mario Masenza, Rome.

Marks: Signed AFRO in raised letters on the underside of the base, and inscribed on the right side Afro, MASENZA.ROMA, and stamped with Italian 18ct hallmarks on the lid.

Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.3 x 1.4 cm

Literature: Illustrated on the cover of Incom magazine for 3rd September, 1955; Martine Newby Haspeslagh, Sculpture to Wear. Jewellery by Post-War Painters and Sculptors, Didier Ltd, London pp. 16, 62, no.2; Idem, Jewels of the Italian Modern Masters, Didier Ltd, London 2015, p. 8, no. 1