French Tortoiseshell and Mother-of-Pearl Mounted Book Form Box
French Tortoiseshell and Mother-of-Pearl Mounted Book Form Box
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A rectangular hinged casket box constructed with richly mottled tortoiseshell panels to the lid and interior base, framed by gilt brass mounts with beaded edging. The sides are inset with softly iridescent mother-of-pearl panels, each shaped within curved brass surrounds. The lid features a decorative gilt brass escutcheon and a shaped lifting tab, with a fully lined tortoiseshell interior framed by braided trim.
The craftsmanship, material combination, and neoclassical revival ornament suggest a luxury object intended for jewelry, keepsakes, or devotional items. The use of genuine tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl points to pre-20th-century manufacture, prior to material restrictions.
A rectangular hinged casket box constructed with richly mottled tortoiseshell panels to the lid and interior base, framed by gilt brass mounts with beaded edging. The sides are inset with softly iridescent mother-of-pearl panels, each shaped within curved brass surrounds. The lid features a decorative gilt brass escutcheon and a shaped lifting tab, with a fully lined tortoiseshell interior framed by braided trim.
The craftsmanship, material combination, and neoclassical revival ornament suggest a luxury object intended for jewelry, keepsakes, or devotional items. The use of genuine tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl points to pre-20th-century manufacture, prior to material restrictions.
4.25"h x 3.5"w x 2"d
4.25"h x 3.5"w x 2"d
During the 19th century, French luxury box-making flourished, particularly in Paris, where artisans combined exotic materials such as tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, gilt brass, and velvet linings. These boxes were prized for personal use and gifting, often reflecting Second Empire and Neoclassical revival aesthetics. Tortoiseshell, sourced from hawksbill turtle shell, was widely used before conservation laws curtailed its trade in the early 20th century.
During the 19th century, French luxury box-making flourished, particularly in Paris, where artisans combined exotic materials such as tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, gilt brass, and velvet linings. These boxes were prized for personal use and gifting, often reflecting Second Empire and Neoclassical revival aesthetics. Tortoiseshell, sourced from hawksbill turtle shell, was widely used before conservation laws curtailed its trade in the early 20th century.
19th century (likely mid–late 19th century)
19th century (likely mid–late 19th century)
Tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, gilt brass mounts and edging
Tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, gilt brass mounts and edging
France
France
Visible age-related wear; natural hairline cracks to mother-of-pearl panels; Corner chips to tortoiseshell; patina and wear to gilt brass mounts; warping to spine of tortoiseshell; hinge and closure functional at time of inspection.
Visible age-related wear; natural hairline cracks to mother-of-pearl panels; Corner chips to tortoiseshell; patina and wear to gilt brass mounts; warping to spine of tortoiseshell; hinge and closure functional at time of inspection.