OBJECTS Ornament Brooch, after 1900 Bohemia (Jablonec/Gablonz region?) Base metal, faience; height 6 cm The cultural heritage of ancient Egypt was a popular source of inspiration in Art Nouveau symbolism. This theme was also reflected in period jewellery. Female faces and whole figures, stylised to resemble ancient Egyptian designs, are predominant features in exquisitive pieces of jewellery. Typically, the artistic repertoire comprised the motifs of scarabs, lotus flowers and mosaic patterns, inspired by encrusted Egyptian pectoral jewels. The distinctive colour scheme of Art Nouveau jewellery mirrors an admiration of the way ancient craftsmen treated materials that combined turquoise, lapis lazuli, a blue-toned faience and glass paste. This type of personal adornment was also produced in the early 20th century in Bohemia. Its popularity fluently evolved into the Art Deco style of the 1920s.