Jacob Ängman box

This is a rare bronze box designed by Jacob Ängman and produced by GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget) in Sweden during the 1930s. The piece belongs to the Swedish Grace period, a style movement of the 1920s and 1930s characterized by a restrained classicism, refined craftsmanship, and an emphasis on proportion and material richness. The box reflects these ideals with its geometric form and decorative details executed with subtle elegance.

The box is rectangular in shape, resting on small stepped feet that lift it slightly from the surface, emphasizing its architectural presence. The lid is crowned with a sculptural finial in the form of a stylized lion, a motif that combines both decorative flourish and symbolic strength. The surface of the bronze has developed a deep patina, with warm tonal variations that highlight the age and material qualities of the piece. Inside, the box is lined with compartments in wood, offering both function and contrast to the heavy exterior.

The condition is good with signs of age and usage, including surface marks and patination consistent with its history. The underside bears the stamped marks of GAB, Sweden’s leading silversmithing and metalwork company of the period, along with the model number.

Jacob Ängman (1887–1952) was a Swedish designer and metalworker associated with the Swedish Grace movement. His works for GAB combined sculptural details with a disciplined formal language, aligning with the broader design ideals of the time that sought to merge classical influences with modern sensibilities. GAB, founded in 1867, played a central role in Swedish applied arts, producing silver, bronze, and decorative objects that remain important references in Scandinavian design history.

Dimensions: 27.5 cm long, 17 cm wide, 7 cm high (10.8 x 6.7 x 2.8 inches).