Napoleon III Boulle Style Box, 19th Century

Boulle marquetry box

A box with the characteristic red and brass inlay known as Boulle marquetry, named after the 17th century French cabinetmaker Andre-Charles Boulle.

The decorative surface shows finely engraved brass arabesques and floral scrolls, inlaid in red tinted tortoiseshell or imitation tortoiseshell, a technique widely used in the 19th century on jewellery boxes, writing boxes and small furniture.

The box rests on graceful curved feet and is trimmed on all sides with gilt brass mounts: beaded edges, leaf scrolls along the base and sculpted corner mounts with small mask heads. The lock with keyhole is also in brass. Light signs of use in keeping with its age and some craquelure in the lacquer. No key present.

Dimensions: 41 L x 27 D cm