The foundry was founded in 1884, during the presidency of Julio Roca in Buenos Aires, Argentina by Juan Gotuzzo and Domingo Terraroza. They were two Italians who were trying to compete with the medals that were imported from Europe, mainly from Italy and England. It was called the National Engraving Workshop. When it was 110 years old, now as Casa Piana, a luxurious brochure was published, informing that the company had always belonged to the family.
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Style Art Deco
"The name Art Deco was assigned in the 1960s, at the exhibition "Les Années 25" held in Paris at the Museum of Decorative Arts.
The first pieces could be seen at the International Exhibition of "Decorative Arts and Modern Industry" held in Paris in 1925. This exhibition was a direct response to the Turin exhibitions of 1902 and Milan of 1906.
The Art Deco style emerged between 1920 and 1940 and is represented by symmetrical, rectilinear lines, abstract designs, and bold colors.
It featured the implementation of exotic materials such as parchment, shagreen (the skin of a small shark or ray), chrome pieces, and enamels, as well as ivory and mother-of-pearl inlays.
In contrast, Art Nouveau was more focused on asymmetrical, curved lines inspired by nature."