Vierkante met rood beklede juwelendoos c. 1897 - 1899

This square jewelry box, covered in red leather, was made by René Lalique. Lalique was most famous for his glasswork, but this piece shows his equal facility with other materials, like leather and metal. Notice the meticulous way the leather has been applied, wrapping tightly around the box’s form. The even color and smooth texture speak to an industrial process of tanning and dyeing. Consider how this contrasts with the precious contents it was meant to hold. Jewelry is often associated with intense handcraft, like gem cutting and metalworking. But here, the box itself reflects another aspect of the decorative arts: one foot in luxury, and the other in standardized production. It’s a reminder that even the most exclusive objects rely on broader systems of labor and consumption. By considering the materials and making of this box, we appreciate the full context in which luxury goods circulate.