Box - Brass, Wood

Napoléon III tea box in burl wood and marquetry – 19th century – brass & mother-of-pearl


Elegant antique tea box from the second half of the 19th century, period of Napoleon III / Second Empire.

This box is made of precious wood, veneered with carefully selected burl, offering a deep and lively grain, characteristic of high-quality 19th-century craftsmanship.
It is richly decorated with fine brass marquetry, forming a symmetrical foliage pattern of great delicacy.

The lid features a central tea cartridge indicating its use.

The wavy molding of the lid and base, the brass fillets, and the decorated escutcheons are typical of luxury objects from the Napoleonic III period.

The compartmentalized interior, in good overall condition, confirms its original use as a tea box, intended for storing loose teas.


Era: 19th century (around 1860–1880)
Style: Napoléon III / Second Empire
Probable origin: France
• Materials: precious wood, burl, brass, mother-of-pearl
Function: tea box
Decor: floral marquetry
• Condition: good overall condition with a beautiful original patina, but it is important to note that a left rear edge is missing (see photos).
• Dimensions: 25.7 × 13.8 × 12.5 cm