B791 - SOLD

This is a divine antique French trinket / keepsake box dating from the Napoleon III era C1860. It's decoration suggests a romantic musical theme and it may originally have held love letters.

It is made of wood. It's shape is reminiscent of a double sided harpsicord and the theme of the decoration is certainly musical. The lid and four sides are decorated with the most exquisite hand painted découpage. To the centre of the lid is a beautiful vignette of a lyre and sheet music. They are hanging from a beautiful pink bow with flowing ribbon tails and are surrounded by pink roses and foliage. Around the vignette the découpage is painted to resemble the fine marquetry on a superb quality piece of furniture. The sides bear a similar vignette with a piped instrument and arrows and the painted marquetry is also apparent.

The edges of the box are gilded to match that of the gilded scrolls and curls on the painted marquetry. The box sits on 4 sturdy gilded metal feet with escargot feet.

The lid lifts up to reveal an interior lined with paper. There is a lock and key. The lock turns with the key but does not catch. This does not really matter as the lid closes with a pleasing click and does not need the lock to hold it down.

The gilding on the box has distressed a little over the years but if this is possible, it just adds further to the beauty of this delectable piece.

The box is sturdy and the hinges works smoothly.

It measures :- W 25.5 cm (10 inches) x D 18 cm (7 inches) x H 12.5 cm (5 inches).

A gorgeous box for those special keepsakes and another divine antique French brocante find from la Belle Étoffe!

Please hover cursor over picture for magnified detail and click on picture for enlarged photo.

SOLD

U.K. Delivery £10.00

Please contact us for international delivery cost.