Lot 13
An Art Deco diamond-set vanity case, circa 1925
Auction: The Collection of Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, Dowager Countess of Airlie | Wednesday 22 October 2025 from 1pm
Description
The lid of the onyx case set with the rose-cut diamond initials “AKW”, with a single-cut diamond push piece, opening to reveal a mirror and two internal compartments, the lids finely engraved and with rose-cut diamond tabs, one diamond deficient, maker's mark CH for Holl, numbered, French assay marks, width 7.2cm
Provenance
From the Estate of Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, Dowager Countess of Airlie
Likely a bespoke commission for Adelaide "Addie" Wolff Kahn (1875-1949) grandmother to Virginia Fortune Ryan, Dowager Countess of Airlie.
Mrs Adelaide Kahn was the wife of the prominent New York financier Otto H. Kahn (1867-1934). Mrs Kahn was a leading figure in New York society and an avid collector and patron of the Arts, including being the Director of the Metropolitan Opera Association and President and Director of the Manhattan School of Music. She was also active in numerous philanthropic endeavours.
Footnote
This case bears the French poinçon de fabricant (or maker's mark) of the workshop Holl who were suppliers to Cartier. Although unsigned for Cartier, this example represents the quality and craftsmanship of Cartier boxes created at the time. The personalisation and simplicity of design indicate it was likely a specially commissioned work.
See Rudoe, Judy Cartier 1900-1939, British Museum Press, London, 1997, page 46.