Name: Alfred Dunhill 'Namiki' Enamel Table Lighter, 1930s
Brand: Alfred Dunhill
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

About the Item

Alfred Dunhill, London A scarce Dunhill ‘Namiki’ maki-e enamel table lighter with chrome-plated hardware, with a glossy black lacquer background and circular design of a Chrysanthemum with foliage to the front, and a design of grapes and vines to the rear. With an early external snuffer-arm spring and artist’s signature in gold. Complete with a Dunhill presentation case. Measure: Height 4 inches (10 cm) Notes: The decoration to the bodies of these table lighters is created using the very skilled lacquer technique known as maki-e (translated as ‘sprinkled picture’). This method of decoration started in Japan in the Heian period (794–1185 AD), where layers of wet lacquer are dusted with precious metal powders to create patterns or images, often using very delicate, fine brushes. The lacquer dries before another layer of powder and lacquer is applied, and so on, until the desired depth of detail and shine is reached. The Namiki factory, a name synonymous with this style of decoration, was founded in Tokyo and resurrected this ancient technique, as a means of decorating their patented lacquered fountain pens. In the 1920s, Clement Court, the manager of the Alfred Dunhill boutique in Paris, was so captivated by this delicate and clearly luxurious technique, he sought to obtain the worldwide distribution rights to Namiki and their skill in the maki-e technique, leading to the creation of the ‘Dunhill-Namiki’ fountain pen, the most sought after and valuable fountain pen in the world. These Dunhill ‘Giant’ Namiki enamel table lighters are extremely scarce.

Creator:
Alfred Dunhill (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 3.94 in (10 cm)Width: 3.15 in (8 cm)Depth: 0.99 in (2.5 cm)
Style:
Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Chrome,Enamel,Plated,Polished
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
1930s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages. There is a little wear to the chrome plate, top and on the base. The enamel is in tact.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 63781stDibs: LU868021315612