{"product_id":"19th-century-french-mother-of-pearl-carnet-de-bal-dance-cards-with-silver-and-ivory","title":"19th Century French Mother-of-Pearl Carnet de Bal \/ Dance Cards with Silver and Ivory","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA particularly charming 19th-century French carnet de bal, or dance card, made from shaped mother-of-pearl and fitted with a series of small hinged writing leaves used to record dance partners during a formal ball.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe front is decorated with an ornate silver-tone rococo cartouche of scrolling foliate form, centered by a blank shield that could have been engraved with the owner’s initials. The pearlescent body is softly iridescent, and a small chain terminates in a finger ring, allowing the carnet to be conveniently carried during an evening of dancing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOpening the carnet reveals a fan-like series of small leaves with handwritten dance headings and numbered spaces for partners. Particularly wonderful is the surviving page labeled:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Lancier”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ewith numbered lines beneath and “Cotillon” written below.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOther leaves preserve additional numbered dance entries, making the object unusually evocative of its original social function.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCirca 1870–1900\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLate 19th century \/ Belle Époque period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe carnet de bal, literally “ball notebook,” was an essential accessory at fashionable 19th-century dances and soirées.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA lady could record the names of gentlemen to whom she had promised particular dances, avoiding social confusion as the evening progressed. These miniature objects were frequently fitted with a ring, chain, or pencil so they could be carried easily while dancing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis example is particularly interesting because its original handwritten dance program survives. The word “Lancier” refers to Les Lanciers \/ The Lancers, a hugely popular 19th-century quadrille danced in sets of couples. The cotillon, or cotillion, was another important social dance associated with formal balls.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe numbered spaces beneath each dance title were intended for the names of individual dance partners.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnlike an empty carnet, this piece preserves direct evidence of how the object was actually used at a ball.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSourced in France.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLikely French manufacture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003eMother-of-pearl\u003cbr\u003eSilver-tone metal appliqué and fittings\u003cbr\u003eBrass-tone pivot stud\u003cbr\u003ePaper or card dance leaves\u003cbr\u003eMetal chain and finger ring\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe silver-tone metal has not been tested and should not be described as sterling or solid silver without confirmation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDance Program\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe surviving handwritten leaves include:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLancier\u003cbr\u003eNumbered partner spaces\u003cbr\u003eCotillon\u003cbr\u003eAdditional numbered dance entries on adjoining leaves\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe handwriting appears original to the period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease provide the exact closed height and width and I can insert them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom scale, approximately 2.5–3 inches tall excluding the chain and ring.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGood antique condition with wear consistent with age and use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe mother-of-pearl shows small edge chips, nicks, surface wear, and minor losses. The metal ornament has age-related tarnish, rubbing, and oxidation. The original paper dance leaves show toning, staining, edge wear, and handwritten entries.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe chain and finger ring remain present, which is an especially desirable feature.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe central cartouche appears unengraved.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photographs closely for condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAntique and vintage items may exhibit wear, patina, small losses, staining, scratches, repairs, and other imperfections consistent with their age and history. Mother-of-pearl is a natural material and may display variations in color and surface texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49202059346175,"sku":null,"price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/IMG-8364.png?v=1789341925","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/fr\/products\/19th-century-french-mother-of-pearl-carnet-de-bal-dance-cards-with-silver-and-ivory","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}