I would have thought this fine old kiln-fired enamel box was English, perhaps Bilston, but in fact it is French in origin and is a larger size bonboniere or bonbon box. A white enamel ground trimmed out in navy blue, with floral bouquets surrounding the bulbous bottom half and a charming pair of lovers depicted up top on the lid. Some roughness of age showing on the bottom rim, where it's rubbed surfaces over time, but no chips or cracks or other flaws to note on this fine pot-like box. Nicely fitted, the top fits perfectly and closes snug and tight, yet is easily opened. I've written time and again about how difficult this process is. One 'paints' on the enamel powders which are suspended in a liquid medium that aids in application, but all of the colors are muddy mauve, grey, taupe and blues and nothing at all like the colors that emerge once the kiln has melted the enamel powders into the thick glassine finish that some mistake for porcelain. The work is done on a metal plaque, or in this case, a copper or brass forming the bottom and the top of this box. The artist is apprenticed for years and years before he/she is adept enough at this arduous and painstaking process to eventuate a finished product like the one we have here. Quite unique, different from many of the enameled boxes we've had over time, and all the more wonderful for its differences.
Very good to excellent for age and type. We find no chips, cracks or even the faint hairlines that so often are to be found on these old enamels. Apparently it has never (yet) been dropped or handled carelessly. A very fine and rather large pot of a bonbon box.
