{"product_id":"antique-french-napoleon-iii-burl-wood-jewelry-casket-with-mother-of-pearl-amp-brass-inlay-cobalt-blue-tufted-satin-interior","title":"Antique French Napoleon III Burl Wood Jewelry Casket with Mother-of-Pearl \u0026amp; Brass Inlay, Cobalt Blue Tufted Satin Interior","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eItem Title: Antique French Napoleon III Burl Wood Jewelry Casket with Mother-of-Pearl \u0026amp; Brass Inlay, Cobalt Blue Tufted Satin Interior, Circa 1870\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Additional Description\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn exquisite 19th-century French Napoleon III jewelry casket featuring richly figured burl wood, intricate mother-of-pearl and brass inlay, and a beautiful cobalt blue tufted satin interior.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe rectangular box is constructed with chamfered corners and striking reddish-brown burl veneer, displaying intricate natural figuring throughout its polished surface. The lid is framed by geometric bands of contrasting wood stringing and ebonized borders, accented at the corners with delicate mother-of-pearl and gilt floral embellishments.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the center of the lid rests an elaborate decorative cartouche featuring scrolling gilt brass foliage, shimmering mother-of-pearl inlays, and a central blank shield-shaped reserve. The contrast between the deep wood tones, iridescent shell, and golden metalwork creates a particularly sophisticated composition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOpening the hinged lid reveals a vibrant royal blue satin interior with sumptuous diamond-tufted upholstery covering both the underside of the lid and the bottom of the casket. The padded compartments were intended to protect delicate jewelry, precious keepsakes, and personal treasures.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe box retains a decorative metal key, complementing its original-style lock and brass hinges.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA wonderful example of French Second Empire decorative craftsmanship, combining beautifully figured wood veneers, intricate marquetry, and richly colored textile upholstery. Equally suited for displaying treasured jewelry or serving as an elegant decorative accent within a traditional bedroom, dressing room, or collector's cabinet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Era\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLate 19th Century, circa 1860–1880.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrench Napoleon III \/ Second Empire Period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## History\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the reign of Napoleon III (1852–1870), French decorative arts experienced a period of extraordinary refinement, with Parisian cabinetmakers producing increasingly elaborate luxury objects for fashionable interiors.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmall decorative boxes, jewelry caskets, glove boxes, and dressing-table accessories became popular expressions of this craftsmanship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArtisans frequently combined richly figured exotic woods with contrasting veneers, ebonized borders, geometric stringing, engraved brass, and iridescent mother-of-pearl.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe resulting objects reflected the eclectic tastes of the Second Empire, drawing inspiration from earlier French decorative traditions while embracing intricate ornamentation and luxurious materials.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBurl veneers were especially desirable for their dramatic swirling grain patterns, while mother-of-pearl provided a delicate luminous contrast against dark woods and gilt metalwork.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe interiors of these decorative caskets were often finished in silk, satin, or velvet, occasionally incorporating elaborate diamond-tufted upholstery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe present example is particularly notable for its richly ornamented lid, finely arranged geometric marquetry, and brilliantly colored blue satin interior.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComparable boxes were produced by skilled French cabinetmakers and luxury manufacturers during the mid-to-late 19th century, including celebrated Parisian workshops such as Maison Tahan, although this example is not attributed to a specific maker.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Provenance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrance, attributed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaker unidentified.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe box retains decorative mother-of-pearl and brass inlay, a fitted textile interior, brass hinges, and a metal key.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo identifiable manufacturer's mark or workshop label is visible in the supplied photographs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOriginal ownership history is unknown.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Materials\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Figured burl wood veneer, possibly thuya or walnut\u003cbr\u003e- Contrasting wood marquetry and geometric stringing\u003cbr\u003e- Ebonized wood borders\u003cbr\u003e- Mother-of-pearl inlay\u003cbr\u003e- Decorative brass or gilt-metal inlay\u003cbr\u003e- Cobalt blue satin upholstery\u003cbr\u003e- Diamond-tufted padded interior\u003cbr\u003e- Brass hinges\u003cbr\u003e- Metal lock and key\u003cbr\u003e- Wooden carcass\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Dimensions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMeasurements to be confirmed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Condition\/Disclaimers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGood antique condition with visible age-related wear and imperfections consistent with approximately 150 years of use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe exterior retains beautiful burl wood figuring and substantial portions of its decorative mother-of-pearl and brass inlay. Minor surface abrasions, scratches, and wear to the polished finish are present.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are localized losses and irregularities along the dark borders and geometric stringing, particularly near the corners and edges of the lid. Some areas of inlay and finish exhibit age-related lifting or wear.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe central brass cartouche shows minor surface wear and discoloration consistent with age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe interior retains its beautiful cobalt blue tufted satin lining, with scattered minor spotting, small pulls, and age-related imperfections. The padded upholstery remains visually attractive and retains much of its original fullness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe metal hinges are present, and the box is shown opening and closing. A decorative metal key accompanies the piece, although the lock's operation has not been independently verified.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe originality of the interior textile has not been definitively established.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs with all antique wooden objects, minor imperfections associated with age, historical use, and changes in humidity should be expected.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Value\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e**Estimated Antique Retail Value: $325–$550**\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e**Suggested Website Price: $445**\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eValuation reflects the richly figured burl veneer, refined marquetry, mother-of-pearl and brass ornamentation, decorative key, and unusually vibrant tufted blue interior.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe appealing combination of French Second Empire design and luxurious materials makes this a desirable decorative jewelry casket.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50874957267199,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/8574532b-0f01-4d64-88ea-bdc5bf8b9188.png?v=1793546555","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/es\/products\/antique-french-napoleon-iii-burl-wood-jewelry-casket-with-mother-of-pearl-amp-brass-inlay-cobalt-blue-tufted-satin-interior","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}