Cigarette Case
The marbled surfaces here show Tiffany’s mastery of the Japanese metalworking technique mokume-gane. Moore and his team experimented tirelessly until they discovered their own method of creating the laminated material, an achievement that had eluded Western metalsmiths. Their process involved layering, soldering, and compressing sheets of metals and alloys together, then manipulating the result by drilling, hammering, and rolling. Initially employed as an accent, the swirling laminate was soon being used to create entire objects, as here. A technical manual records that staff treated the surface with muriatic acid to impart the polished, glassy finish.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.