rene freres - Box - Gilt brass, Thuya
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€ 1
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Selected by Paula Martin-Calero Toro
Holds a degree in art history; over six years cataloguing and appraising antiques.
Estimate € 180 - € 220
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Napoleon III antique jewelry box from France, made of thuya wood, nacre and gilt brass, circa 1850–1900, 17 × 12 × 12 cm, manufactured by Rene Frères, in good used condition with minor aging traces and a damaged corner, sold without a key.
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Description from the seller
Rare Napoleon III jewelry box – Thuya, Mother-of-Pearl, and Brass – Bordeaux, circa 1880
Description of the lot
Magnificent high-quality cabinet from the Napoleonic era (late 19th century).
This rectangular box is a remarkable example of French craftsmanship of the period. It features rich decoration in thuya burl veneer, a precious wood prized for its intricate mottled patterns and depth of color.
Marquetry: The lid is decorated with a central floral medallion of great delicacy, composed of inlays of mother-of-pearl (for the flowers) and brass (for the stems and foliage).
Frame: An elegant geometric frieze in contrasting wood marquetry (tarsia) and mother-of-pearl inlays highlights the upper surface, all framed by ebonized wood borders.
Interior: Exceptional condition of preservation for its original padded silk upholstery in red (buttoned), which has remained very fresh and vibrant.
Origin: Presence of the original label underneath: '...NE FRÈRES, BORDEAUX,' attesting to its provenance from a prestigious Bordeaux luxury house of the 19th century.
Condition: Good overall condition. The marquetry is complete. Note a normal usage patina consistent with age (a few light scratches on the varnish). And a damaged corner.
Sold without key.
Rare Napoleon III jewelry box – Thuya, Mother-of-Pearl, and Brass – Bordeaux, circa 1880
Description of the lot
Magnificent high-quality cabinet from the Napoleonic era (late 19th century).
This rectangular box is a remarkable example of French craftsmanship of the period. It features rich decoration in thuya burl veneer, a precious wood prized for its intricate mottled patterns and depth of color.
Marquetry: The lid is decorated with a central floral medallion of great delicacy, composed of inlays of mother-of-pearl (for the flowers) and brass (for the stems and foliage).
Frame: An elegant geometric frieze in contrasting wood marquetry (tarsia) and mother-of-pearl inlays highlights the upper surface, all framed by ebonized wood borders.
Interior: Exceptional condition of preservation for its original padded silk upholstery in red (buttoned), which has remained very fresh and vibrant.
Origin: Presence of the original label underneath: '...NE FRÈRES, BORDEAUX,' attesting to its provenance from a prestigious Bordeaux luxury house of the 19th century.
Condition: Good overall condition. The marquetry is complete. Note a normal usage patina consistent with age (a few light scratches on the varnish). And a damaged corner.
Sold without key.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Style subtype
Napoleon III
Brass type
Gilt brass
Wood type
Thuya
Country of Origin
France
Manufacturer/ Brand
rene freres
Material
mother of pearl, Brass, Wood
Style
Antique
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
12 cm
Width
17 cm
Depth
12 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
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