Georg Jensen Rare Sterling Cigar Lighter with Lapis Lazuli, Copenhagen, c. 1925-30

This stunning cigar lighter is as rare as it is beautiful. Entirely hand raised and hand chased, it exemplifies the fluid organic arts and crafts design that made Jensen famous. On an oval shaped platform supported by four ball feet, a pedestal formed like an opening blossom holds a bulb-shaped center fuel holding section. The wick is hidden by a cover with four strands of berries flowing down the sides topped with a lapis bead finial. Two oval handles with lapis beads are attached to the body at chased foliage joins. Measuring 6.75 inches high and 4 inches across the handle, it weighs approximately 9 troy ounces. It is in very good condition.

This is as good and rare a piece of Jensen silver as we have ever had - in fact we've never seen a cigar lighter on a par to it.

Provenance: Ex-Collection of Pamela Cunningham of Charlottesville, VA; Los Angeles, CA; and Taos, New Mexico. Cunningham was a mid-century jet-setter, friend of Hollywood's famous, New Mexico's art colony (Georgia O'Keefe), an insatiable collector of modern silver (perhaps the finest collection of Native American jewelry) and next door neighbor of Paul Mellon.