Superb little gem of an antique kiln-fired enamel jewelry box with figural Griffen cabriole legs, c.1840-70, in Celeste or 'Sevres' blue with raised dot jeweling in enamel typical of those made by enamelists of Bresse, France, or 'Bressan'. This type of boxes were also made with a bit different styling by enamelist decorators in the community of Sevres, France. Since this type of enamel work is a ceramic, decorators overlapped, but did congregate in towns or areas of a city, as is also typical. Silversmith's have their own named streets in Paris, and knife makers typically reside and work in Thiers, France - that sort of thing. Same for tapestry weavers. I digress. Look on photos for measurements.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. This one still has all 5 deep convex copper plaques with their kiln-fired enamels and without any chips or breaks. A couple of super-fine hairlines visible on very close examination or in our greatly enlarged photos are not likely from being dropped, but from age. Rare fine condition for these, and even the padded tuck/tufted interior lining is there in very good condition, as you can see. These sometimes have 'TAHAN' engraved on lock plate, or at least a marketer's paper label affixed noting same. They were made for and sold through the finest stores, and TAHAN was one. I imagine that's where this one was first purchased. One can only image the occasion, and who it was who treasured it so well.
