This is one of the signature styles we see in the very early TAHAN boxes - that hand painted cartouche miniature of a bouquet of flowers - almost like the Sevres florals on plates, and probably done by those same artists. The box is a signature bearing 1st quality offering of one of France's very best ebanistes (cabinetry makers) and symbolizes the pinnacle of a much loved 19th century genre - the French box. I've long been a box collector and have had many I hated to part with, the very best of them all being those by Tahan (one of the premier purveyors of luxury goods, as well, in the 19th century). Much like "Palais Royal" items, the TAHAN signed goods bring a higher cachet and price, both.
Very good condition for age and type. You see some pushes to the lovely old wood, and one corner's brass pencil edging has been replaced (back left side in our images) so it's not quite "excellent" but very nearly so. The painting is in fine form, all of the brass stringing remains and the interior has the old original (slightly tattered) silk lining, no stains but definitely aged. The box is a lovely size for jewelry: 9.5" long, 7.25" front to back and 4.25" tall when closed. Plus it has the original working lock and key. The little painting is splendid, no damage and none to the glass cover. A spectacular form, oval and octagon, this one is really something special.
