Ca. 1914, this exquisite example of Gustav Gaudernack's work shows why the Norwegian silversmiths's quality of enamelled silver rivalled their Russian contemporaries of the time, including the master Fabergé. The baby blue guilloche enamel is crystal clear and inlaid with gold-leaf detailing ('gull-paillons') in the empire style. The clarity and crispness of the enamel makes it clear to see why the technique was called 'mirror enamel' ('speilemalje').
The design for this brush was made, when Gaudernack created a vanity-set and a writing-set for the Centenary Exhibition in Oslo in 1914. The sets were made at Gaudernack's own workshop and earned him the finest honour of the exhibition, the Gold Medal, a triumph for the silversmith.
In searching for any markings (we did not find any) one end of the brush was unscrewed from the holder. This revealed a lovely bit of information otherwise concealed: In a showing of true quality, luxury and attention to detail, the silver-holder for the brush is also enamelled on the inside, with the same blue enamel as the outside. The brush was re-fastened with the same, original, small silver screw immediately after documenting this fabulous finding.
The design is referenced on p. 68 in 'Gustav Gaudernack en europeer i norsk jugend' ['Gustav Gaudernack a European in Norwegian Jugend'], Jan-Lauritz Opstad, 1979.
Norwegian Enamelled Silver Brush with Inlaid Gold Leaf by Gustav Gaudernack
Condition
Bit of damage to the enamel at one end of the brush, please see pictures. Apart from this, the condition and quality of the enamelling is very nice.
Marks
This brush is unmarked, however this is not unusual. The design is referenced on p. 68 in 'Gustav Gaudernack en europeer i norsk jugend' ['Gustav Gaudernack a European in Norwegian Jugend'], Jan-Lauritz Opstad, 1979.
Measurements
Length, enamel/silver: 17,5 cm / 6.9 in
Width: 4,6 cm / 1.8 in
Weight: 136 g / 4.8 oz
