Attribué au Studio de Mosaïque du Vatican - Casket - Superb Napoléon III jewelry box Macaron Temple of Vespasian and Titus - charred wood, Roman micro-mosaic, and malachite - Grand Tour

Elegant and rare Napoléon III-era jewelry box (Second Empire, 19th century), rectangular in blackened wood. This object testifies to the taste of the era's upper middle class for prestige souvenirs linked to the Grand Tour. The centerpiece of this box is its superb central medallion in Italian glass filigree micro-mosaic, a typical work of the Roman workshops (like the famous Vatican Mosaic Studio). It stylizes and finely depicts the ruins of an ancient temple on the Roman Forum (the Temple of Vespasian and Titus), set within a turquoise blue glass paste border imitating opaline. The lid and the front are richly ornamented with gilded bronze chiseled in a neo-Gothic style, enhanced by round malachite cabochons with strong veining, as well as pyramid-shaped cabochons in blue and white marbled glass paste. Note: I do not own the key, and there are some missing parts (see photo). A collectible and coveted item, you have the opportunity to bid on a one-of-a-kind piece. Happy bidding to all. Look carefully at the photos which are part of the description. Any damage not mentioned in the text but visible in the photos is considered as described. No shipping outside the EU; if you are outside the European Union you may bid on one of my lots, however no claims will be possible in case of problems during transport. Due to the new import/export regulations to the USA there will be no shipment to this country anymore. Professional careful shipping, with signature and insured."