18th Century Martin Varnish Wig Box

Lacquered wooden wig box called Vernis Martin with decoration in the Chinese style. Animated tomb shape and domed top. Hinges, keyholes and buttons in engraved brass. Interior painted in red. 18th century period. This box is in good general condition despite some wear, small restorations and canvas reinforcements H: 11 - W: 30 - D: 22 cm As a reminder: Vernis Martin, in 1728, the Martin brothers of Paris developed an imitation of copal-based lacquer, the Martin varnish, intended to compete with Chinese and Japanese lacquers. This varnish, less expensive for furniture decoration than the application of lacquer panels, was also used to harmonize furniture with a significant curve, the lacquer panels not supporting being too rounded. The Martin varnish created the connection between these panels so that the furniture was visually homogeneous. However, it had its own existence by reproducing and interpreting works by painters of the time applied to furniture as decoration. Martin varnish was also used in the 19th century on period furniture.