Small square box 1887 - 1911

André Aucoc crafted this "Small Square Box" out of gold, silver, and mother-of-pearl sometime before 1925. The box captivates with its geometric clarity, where octagonal planes meet the soft iridescence of inlaid panels. The eye is drawn to the interplay between the rigid metallic framework and the fluid, organic textures of the mother-of-pearl. This contrast creates a visual rhythm, a dialogue between the constructed and the natural. The repetitive floral motifs bordering each panel serve to soften the strong lines. The choice of materials elevates the box beyond mere utility; it becomes an object of contemplation. Aucoc’s arrangement of these elements invites a meditation on structure, materiality, and the subtle interplay of light and form.