Black-stained Wooden Box with Engraved Brass Lid by Jean Blazy, 1960s

France, 1960s. Jean Blazy works brass as a pictorial material, engraved, patinated and oxidised until it becomes a true abstract landscape. This box, of great rarity, is an expression of it with beautiful intensity. The casket, in black-stained wood, has a sober, rigorous geometry. Its lid is set with an engraved brass plate, made up of vertical bands alternating matte gold, deep coppery tones and turbulent areas, as if poured or eaten into the metal. The artist’s signature is engraved in one corner of the brass. Inside, the black wood remains plain and pared back. Very beautiful patina: the brass shows shades of red, green and gold that only time can produce. The box has no impacts. A unique, very beautiful collector’s piece. At 26.5 cm long by 12 cm wide and 7.5 cm high, it sits on a desk, console or coffee table, to hold mail or small objects, or is simply displayed as a sculpture. A rare object, somewhere between fine craftsmanship and abstraction.