Tahan Paris - Box - Gilt brass

Collector’s box, Tahan Paris, precious woods and brass floral marquetry of Napoleon III, 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, crafted 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. Ornamented with brass inlays and exquisitely detailed marquetry, with great precision and symmetry, most lush on the ebony lid, featuring a four-leaf clover pattern. Its polished finish radiates timeless luxury. The inlaid brass outlines a cartouche on the front, drawing attention to the design and directing the eye to the prestigious signature: “TAHAN, PARIS.”

The original key is included, with a functional locking mechanism that elegantly secures the box. Tahan Jean Pierre Alexandre (1813-1892) was a renowned Parisian cabinetmaker and craftsman, famous for having been named cabinetmaker to Emperor Napoleon III. From 1849 to 1866, he operated a workshop on Rue de la Paix in Paris, and later on Boulevard des Italiens. He received medals at various World Expos. His joinery and furniture pieces were highly valued by Parisian high society.

Napoleon III style, or Second Empire, takes its name from its origin in France during that period. 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 influence extended a few years longer (until 1880). This style was very popular among the French bourgeoisie. The emperor himself was involved in the period’s artistic development, though more linked to architecture. While it draws inspiration from past styles, starting with Classical Antiquity, the Renaissance, even Louis XVI, the most representative feature of the style is its opulence and grandeur, always aiming to display wealth and magnificence.

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The buyer will be responsible for paying import duties and taxes in the destination country, if any. Please note the seller’s disclaimer regarding possible 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 varies and increases with the value of the work to be exported.