Tahan Paris - Box - Gilt brass

Collector's box, Tahan Paris, precious woods and brass floral marquetry from Napoleon III period, 1880 – France

Materials: Precious woods and brass marquetry
Signature: Tahan Paris
Style: Napoleon III
Period: 1880s
Country of origin: France
Good condition for its age and use / With key
Dimensions: 8 x 26.5 x 10 cm.

Exceptional collector's box by Tahan Paris, made in ebony and rosewood with brass floral marquetry. Originally a glove box, this collector's box can now be used for various purposes, even as a jewelry box. Of rectangular profile, the exterior is ebony and the interior rosewood. Decorated with brass inlays and exquisitely detailed marquetry, with great precision and symmetry, more abundant on the ebony lid, featuring a four-leaf clover pattern. Its polished finish radiates timeless luxury. The embedded brass outlines a cartouche on the front, drawing attention to the design’s importance and directing the eye to the prestigious signature: “TAHAN, PARIS”.

The original key is included, with a functional locking mechanism that securely closes the box in an elegant manner. Tahan Jean Pierre Alexandre (1813-1892) was a renowned Parisian cabinetmaker and craftsman, famed for being named cabinetmaker to Emperor Napoleon III. From 1849 to 1866, he had a workshop on Rue de la Paix in Paris, and later on Boulevard des Italiens. He received medals at several Universal Exhibitions. His cabinetry and furniture pieces were highly valued by Parisian high society.

Napoleon III style, or Second Empire, takes its name from its emergence in France at that time. Strictly, the Second Empire was proclaimed in 1852 and ended in 1870, led by Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of the French, though artistically the style extended a few years longer (until 1880). The style enjoyed great popularity among the French bourgeoisie. The Emperor himself was involved in the era’s artistic development, though more associated with architecture. While inspired by past styles, starting from Classical Antiquity, the Renaissance, even Louis XVI, the most characteristic feature of the style is its pomp and ostentation, always aspiring to display wealth and opulence.

Product shipping will be paid by the buyer based on dimensions, weight, and destination. Shipping costs include professional, custom-made packaging; and personalized shipping with tracking number and warranty.

The buyer will be responsible for paying import duties and taxes in the destination country, if any. Please note the seller’s liability disclaimer regarding potential customs charges, as they are collected in the destination country and the amount payable is determined by that country’s customs. If an export permit is required, the costs are borne by the buyer. The cost depends progressively on the value of the artwork to be exported.