Covered box

Enameling, one of the "lost" arts of the Middle Ages, was revived in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, particularly in England, but also in America. One of the most talented of the American enamellists was Frank J. Marshall. While his enamel designs include landscapes, sailing ships, and stylized flowers, peacocks were his favorite motif. The enameled cover on this copper box, although unsigned, is undoubtedly Marshall’s work. It features his signature peacock set amidst a dramatic evening landscape dotted with pink Japanese lanterns and is one of his most beautiful creations.




Marshall was accepted in 1901 at the Massachusetts Normal Art School, where he studied with the distinguished metalsmithing professor Laurin Hovey Martin. In 1907, he was admitted as a Craftsman in the Boston Society of Arts and Crafts, and advanced to Master in 1913. His work was exhibited widely, not only in Boston but also in Chicago and New York. His work includes both circular and rectangular boxes, lidded vessels, lamps, jewelry, and matchboxes.