Beautiful black lacquered papier-mâché box with a shaped, serpentine lid, inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl flowers and decorated with painted and gilt florals and foliage.
Lacquered papier-mâché was one of the great decorative fashions of the mid-19th century in France and England. Layers of paper were pressed, shaped, and lacquered to a glossy black, then inlaid with slivers of mother-of-pearl, a technique known as "burgauté," and finished with hand-painted gilt decoration. Boxes like this were prized gifts for holding letters, jewelry, and sewing treasures.
A handsome accent for a desk, dressing table, or coffee table.
Dimensions: 8" by 8.5" by 2.5"
Origin: France
Material: Lacquered papier-mâché with mother-of-pearl inlay and gilt decoration
Era: Circa 1850–1870 (Napoleon III)
Condition: Antique; expected signs of age consistent with use. Please review photos for condition details.
