Rare Watch Holder - 18th Century - Lacca Povera

Discover an exceptional and precious collector's item: this wooden watch holder covered in poor lacquer or so called "Lacca Povera"  invented in Venice Italy in the middle of the 18th century.

The pictorial motifs are made of  pieces of  paper prints applied on the wood surface specially prepared. A sandarac varnish was applied in several layers in order to recover the very slight difference in level between the pictorial layer of paper engravings but also in order to imitate the brilliance and luster of fashionable  oriental lacquered furniture.

The theme is romantic and dedicated to love with on the main facade a gallant scene featuring a flute player and his lady admiring a dove, all surmounted by cupid playing flute...

The sides parts  also present floral themes with Cupids holding a bow aand arrow with cross elements of quiver of arrows and burning fire  torch.

The top part la sumonted by bronze  element and opens to reveal an interior compartment specially designed to accommodate an onion or pocket type of  watch with an opening diameter of approximately 3.5 cm.

Good condition with signs of old insect attacks but not more  active, some small missing surface éléments.

Likely a French design   as very similar to the one referenced in "Musée des Arts Décoratifs" in Paris  Inventory A146..