Box - Wood

Chinoiserie-style tea box in red-brown lacquered wood on gilded wood feet – France, circa 1815–1830 (Empire / Restoration period)

Elegant French lacquered brown-red wood tea box decorated with gold leaf in the Chinese style ('Chinoiserie'), typical of Parisian productions from the late Empire / Restoration period.

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Description

Octagonal-shaped box resting on four feet carved in gilded wood depicting stylized lion paws.
Painted and gilded decor depicting oriental architectures, pagodas, and tropical vegetation, set against a deep reddish-brown lacquered background.

The interior, varnished, retains its two original compartments made of lead? Tin? equipped with lids engraved with floral motifs.
Antique lock, missing key.

The box reflects a taste for exoticism and Asian influences during the Empire, inherited from the Directory and the 'Chinese-style' fashion maintained by the aristocracy during the Restoration.

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Details :
• Era: Empire / Restoration (circa 1815–1830)
• Origin: France
Napoleonic Chinoiserie
Materials: lacquered wood, gilded wood (feet), lead, gold leaf gilding
Dimensions: 20 × 13 × 13 cm
Condition: good vintage condition, homogeneous patina, minor wear to the varnish and gold decoration, missing key, and a defect on one foot visible in the photos. The scenes fade, and the compartments are deformed. Please carefully examine the photos, as they serve as the description.

Original internal compartments and covers preserved.