Cigarette holder; Vienna, c. 1880

Cigarette holder; Vienna, c. 1880
Gilded bronze
Measurements: 19,5 x 10 x 13 cm.

Tabletop cigarette holder made in gilded bronze, representing a slave carrying a bamboo basket on his back, showing the tobacco leaves.

The tradition of small Viennese bronze sculpture dates back to the middle of the 19th century, with as many as fifty craftsmen living in the capital at the end of the century. Several foundries began to specialize in the so-called "cold enameling" technique. Several layers were applied to the raw bronze, resulting in a fine, shiny finish charged with naturalism. However, it was important to apply this film when the bronze was still hot, as the temperature contrast contributed to the permanence of the color, which remained fixed to the metal. Since it was not fired, following the usual process, it became known as "cold enameling".