Antique and collectible history / Charles Kiashek

Kigu Powder Compacts, History & Heritage

Kigu Powder Compacts, History & Heritage

An illustrated guide and history of the Kigu brand, which is being added to on a regular basis throughout the year. The name Kigu originates from the first two letters of the surname and forename of its founder, Gustav Kiaschek. Gustav was of Hungarian origin. He was the son of the master goldsmith, Josef Kiaschek.                                                                 
Gustav crafted high quality powder compacts from his workshop in Budapest. 
He raised three sons, Charles, Paul and George. Charles became a New York based goldsmith. George moved to London in 1939 where he founded Kigu of London. It is understandable that George Kiashek decided to leave Hungary in 1938 to settle in Great Britain. George decided to anglicise his name somewhat by dropping the c. 
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