Circa 1850-70, Napoleon III era jewelry box made to mimic but be much stronger construction than papier mache popular during mid-1800s, this elegant serpentine box is elevated on bun legs, still has its silk lining intact, and even more rare, the oil painting over the mother of pearl inlays is still mostly intact. The pearl panels were incised/inlayed into the exterior to give light and life to the oil painted florals and you can see that they do. Some of the mother of pearl inlays are bare, the paint lost to the ages. This box is wood, lacquered to look like the papier mache coming from Jennens & Bettridge in England. When I first found it, in France, I expected to open it to see a double well tea caddy, such is the typical form. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type. Around 170 years, now, it remains a beauty! There are a few small flaws notable, some marked in x on photos to show where border inlays of mother of pearl have loosened and been lost. Not too much, just a spot here or there. Photos from all sides so you can see how beautiful it is. The lock is there but the upper plate is missing, as pointed out in photos. The silk lining is in place, slightly tattered at the edges but not frayed otherwise. The very bottom lining has a 1/4" spot that is white, perhaps alcohol bleached or ? something. No other stains.
