Fabulous antique French Napoleon III era 6 5/8" square jewelry casket, an elegant miniature display box or vitrine in gilt brass with floral & foliate intaglio etched or engraved thick beveled glass panels on all seven sides & expansive lid!
The Napoleon III period, also known as the Second Empire, was marked by a revival of grandeur and artistic eclecticism. Under the rule of Emperor Napoleon III, there was a strong return to the luxurious aesthetics of earlier French royal courts—especially those of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI blended with innovations brought about by industrial progress. The jewelry caskets of this era were not only functional storage for precious items, but also objects of display, often presented on a lady’s vanity or within a vitrine cabinet, underscoring the wealth, refinement, and status of their owners.
The beveled glass on all sides, including the lid, creates an almost jewel-like visual effect. The thick bevels refract light beautifully, adding a touch of brilliance and depth. Glass was not merely utilitarian but decorative—a luxury in itself due to the cost and craftsmanship involved. These transparent panels also served to display the contents, typically fine jewelry, miniature portraits or sentimental keepsakes virtually turning the interior into a kind of private stage. This one also with the added allure of the etched decoraton (done on the under or inside of the glass) and the unique canted corners shaping. Rare larger size, too, what more could one hope for!
Very good condition. Some very faint surface scuffs to the glass panels but I'm not seeing any chips, no cracks, though there may be some tiny nips here and there. The gilt bronze or brass framework has a billion tabs :) and all appear intact and undamaged. Possibly slightly out of perfect square and there is one break along the back that I've pointed out in the images. That section of beveled glass has been epoxied in so it makes the piece structurally sound even with the break/separation. The bottom lining of the casket has a newer tan or beige moire style fabric lining (not silk). See pictures for all measurements.
