{"product_id":"antique-bible-box-with-key","title":"Antique Bible Box with Key","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBible Box - Ornate Multi-Colored wood with Ormolu Mounts\u003cbr\u003eFrance or Northern Italy, circa 1840–1860\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA large-scale devotional or presentation coffer, richly veneered in radial-cut walnut and rosewood with a striking geometric marquetry medallion across the lid. The monumental presence, fine materials, and ornate brass fittings point to an aristocratic or ecclesiastical commission, likely intended to hold a family Bible, liturgical volumes, or sacred correspondence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWalnut and rosewood in concentric circular and ring-patterned marquetry, exhibiting excellent depth and figuring.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCast and chased ormolu (gilt bronze) fittings including:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFour corner mounts with repoussé floral and fruit motifs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA scrolling Rococo escutcheon with ribbon-tied acanthus decoration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA gilt brass handle of naturalistic foliate design.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeep crimson velvet lining, beautifully preserved, intended to cradle large-format books or documents.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRetains fully working key\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis chest exemplifies the transition from the restrained elegance of the Louis-Philippe era (1830–1848) to the more decorative Second Empire style (1850s–1860s).\u003cbr\u003eThe combination of geometric veneer (echoing Biedermeier influence) with exuberant Rococo mounts is characteristic of high-end Parisian or Lyonnais cabinetmaking of the period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComparable monumental boxes were made for:\u003cbr\u003eAltars or domestic chapels, to hold missals and ceremonial linens.\u003cbr\u003ePresentation Bibles or papal gifts, particularly in France and Northern Italy.\u003cbr\u003eWriting coffers or document chests used in the salons of the bourgeois elite.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48983885480191,"sku":null,"price":985.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/F2EBC6AA-1280-42C9-9EF4-CBB3C2E10B9C.png?v=1786308717","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/es\/products\/antique-bible-box-with-key","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}