Rare and fabulous brightly gilded brass wire beehive, c.1770-1810, this one is the most beautiful one we've had and it's got more bees attached, as well. Made in form of the old straw and basket beehives of old, this one is an open trinket box. I've seen some open to an opaline perfume flask, or some fitted with miniature sewing tools, they were whimsical items from the boutiques that flanked the promenade gardens of the old palace of Cardinal Richelieu. The palace and gardens and boutiques remain active and vibrant not far from the Louvre, Paris, and a walk can take you back in time to the riches and whimsies on offer there when this trinket was created. Possibly filled with bonbons, a souvenir of a performance at the Palais theaters. It was a center of elite commerce and socializing in the 1700s though in Napoleon's time it was somewhat taken over by his soldiers and officers and their ladies, as most elites fled the country if they were fortunate enough to have kept their heads in the Revolution and The Terror. I digress. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, this one has a superb high gold alloy and does not tarnish or require polishing. Definitely the older ones based on the quality of the work and also the number of bees on all sides rather than a single one on the entrance ramp which is more indicative of later ones. The only flaw to note is a repaired break, very clean and tight on the alabaster base. No chips, just a tight hairline I've detailed in our photos for your review. Otherwise, top quality and form, great age to it.
