Franse of continentaal-Europese vervaardiging - Snuff box - Musician with psalterium – possibly Saint Cecilia - Brass, Ceramic with polychrome decoration
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Antique 19th‑century brass miniature box with a hand‑painted porcelain plaque of a female musician with a psalterium, likely Saint Cecilia, dating to ca. 1870–1900 and of continental European manufacture, in good antique condition with patina.
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Description from the seller
Antique 19th-century brass miniature jewelry/mystery box with hand-painted porcelain plaque – musician with psaltery – circa 1870–1900
Special antique brass oval miniature box from the second half of the 19th century, featuring a refined polychrome depiction on a presumably porcelain or fine ceramic plaque.
The box consists of two separate parts: a lower box and a fully removable lid without hinges. The brass has developed a beautiful warm patina over the years. This patina has been deliberately preserved and greatly contributes to the authentic 19th-century character.
Polychrome porcelain miniature
In the center of the lid there is an oval, white and smooth plaque, presumably made of glazed porcelain or fine ceramic. There is no glass in front of the depiction; the decoration is applied directly to the plaque.
Recent close-up photos beautifully show how refined the figure is executed. The face, eyes, mouth, hair, skin tones and clothing display subtle color variations and a clearly hand-painted finish. The background is much finer and more linear in its detailing.
The figure is most likely polychromed by hand. It remains possible that the artist used pre-applied or transferred outline lines. Without destructive material analysis, the exact original decoration technique cannot be definitively established.
Musician – possibly Saint Cecilia
The depiction shows an elegantly dressed female figure in a warm red-orange gown with a blue underskirt, set in a subtle pastoral landscape.
She holds a striking trapezoidal string instrument with numerous parallel strings. The instrument can probably be identified as a psaltery (psalterium), a historical string instrument from the lyre family.
Because of this pronounced musical iconography, there is a possibility that the figure represents Saint Cecilia, the traditional patron saint of music and musicians. Since there is no inscription or other conclusive attribute, this identification is deliberately presented as a possibility.
The design has a clearly historicizing, romantically neoclassical character, fitting European kunsthandel (artisanal manufacture) of the second half of the 19th century.
A remarkable 19th-century objet de vertu
The lid and lower box are produced as two separate parts. There is no hinge and there are no clear indications that the box was originally hinged.
As far as visible, no maker’s or factory marks were found. The manufacturer is therefore unknown. A French or other Continental European origin is plausible, but cannot be definitively attributed without a mark.
Object: oval miniature/storage/snuff box
Style: historicism / romantic-neoclassical
Dating: ca. 1870–1900
Origin: presumably France or Continental Europe
Material: brass and presumably glazed porcelain/fine ceramic
Decoration: polychrome painted miniature
Depiction: female musician, possibly Saint Cecilia
Instrument: presumably psaltery
Maker/Manufacturer: unknown / unmarked
Dimensions: H 3.0 cm x L 6.8 cm x W 5.7 cm
Weight: 95.8 g
Condition
The box is in good and authentic antique condition, with wear and aging traces appropriate for an object of this age.
The brass shows a naturally developed patina, local discolorations, scratches and superficial wear. The underside is not perfectly flat and shows some irregularities/deformations. The interior also shows normal aging traces.
The polychrome plaque has, given its age, been beautifully preserved. The depiction and colors are still clearly visible, and the natural aging characteristics have not been restored or concealed.
A charming and unusual 19th-century objet de vertu, in which European craftsmanship, miniature painting and historical music iconography come together. An attractive collectible for lovers of antique miniatures, porcelain, historic boxes, and musical antiques.
This object will be securely packed for Smart Shipping, sent registered and insured with track and trace.
Seller's Story
I have a passion for vintage design, and my objects mainly come from Scandinavia. I seek out unique gems that are then offered to new owners through this platform. I ensure that the objects are very well packaged so they can arrive safely. I hope that, through my circular mission of sustainability, these beautiful objects can be given a second life, serving as a good example for many others.
Translated by Google TranslateAntique 19th-century brass miniature jewelry/mystery box with hand-painted porcelain plaque – musician with psaltery – circa 1870–1900
Special antique brass oval miniature box from the second half of the 19th century, featuring a refined polychrome depiction on a presumably porcelain or fine ceramic plaque.
The box consists of two separate parts: a lower box and a fully removable lid without hinges. The brass has developed a beautiful warm patina over the years. This patina has been deliberately preserved and greatly contributes to the authentic 19th-century character.
Polychrome porcelain miniature
In the center of the lid there is an oval, white and smooth plaque, presumably made of glazed porcelain or fine ceramic. There is no glass in front of the depiction; the decoration is applied directly to the plaque.
Recent close-up photos beautifully show how refined the figure is executed. The face, eyes, mouth, hair, skin tones and clothing display subtle color variations and a clearly hand-painted finish. The background is much finer and more linear in its detailing.
The figure is most likely polychromed by hand. It remains possible that the artist used pre-applied or transferred outline lines. Without destructive material analysis, the exact original decoration technique cannot be definitively established.
Musician – possibly Saint Cecilia
The depiction shows an elegantly dressed female figure in a warm red-orange gown with a blue underskirt, set in a subtle pastoral landscape.
She holds a striking trapezoidal string instrument with numerous parallel strings. The instrument can probably be identified as a psaltery (psalterium), a historical string instrument from the lyre family.
Because of this pronounced musical iconography, there is a possibility that the figure represents Saint Cecilia, the traditional patron saint of music and musicians. Since there is no inscription or other conclusive attribute, this identification is deliberately presented as a possibility.
The design has a clearly historicizing, romantically neoclassical character, fitting European kunsthandel (artisanal manufacture) of the second half of the 19th century.
A remarkable 19th-century objet de vertu
The lid and lower box are produced as two separate parts. There is no hinge and there are no clear indications that the box was originally hinged.
As far as visible, no maker’s or factory marks were found. The manufacturer is therefore unknown. A French or other Continental European origin is plausible, but cannot be definitively attributed without a mark.
Object: oval miniature/storage/snuff box
Style: historicism / romantic-neoclassical
Dating: ca. 1870–1900
Origin: presumably France or Continental Europe
Material: brass and presumably glazed porcelain/fine ceramic
Decoration: polychrome painted miniature
Depiction: female musician, possibly Saint Cecilia
Instrument: presumably psaltery
Maker/Manufacturer: unknown / unmarked
Dimensions: H 3.0 cm x L 6.8 cm x W 5.7 cm
Weight: 95.8 g
Condition
The box is in good and authentic antique condition, with wear and aging traces appropriate for an object of this age.
The brass shows a naturally developed patina, local discolorations, scratches and superficial wear. The underside is not perfectly flat and shows some irregularities/deformations. The interior also shows normal aging traces.
The polychrome plaque has, given its age, been beautifully preserved. The depiction and colors are still clearly visible, and the natural aging characteristics have not been restored or concealed.
A charming and unusual 19th-century objet de vertu, in which European craftsmanship, miniature painting and historical music iconography come together. An attractive collectible for lovers of antique miniatures, porcelain, historic boxes, and musical antiques.
This object will be securely packed for Smart Shipping, sent registered and insured with track and trace.
Seller's Story
I have a passion for vintage design, and my objects mainly come from Scandinavia. I seek out unique gems that are then offered to new owners through this platform. I ensure that the objects are very well packaged so they can arrive safely. I hope that, through my circular mission of sustainability, these beautiful objects can be given a second life, serving as a good example for many others.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1400-1900
Weight
95.8 g
Style subtype
Neo-Classicism
Country of origin
Europe
Manufacturer/brand
Franse of continentaal-Europese vervaardiging
Material
Ceramic with polychrome decoration, Brass
Model
Musician with psalterium – possibly Saint Cecilia
Style
Antique
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
3 cm
Width
6.8 cm
Depth
5.7 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
