Boulle Marquetry Glove Box – Napoleon III Period.

Boulle marquetry glove box – Napoleon III period. Elegant and precious, this rectangular glove box with canted sides is a refined example of the Napoleon III style inspired by the great Boulle decorations of the reign of Louis XIV. The lid features complex and subtle marquetry, revealing a sophisticated play of inversion between the materials: At the corners, finely cut brass scrolls stand out against a red-tinted tortoiseshell background; While in the center, the decoration reverses this composition: red-tinted tortoiseshell scrolls are inlaid on a brass background. This controlled contrast underlines the virtuosity of the Second Empire workshops in the art of Boulle marquetry, combining precision of cutting, richness of materials and decorative balance. The front, the only other decorated part, features an elegant brass cartouche cut around the lock, which is functional (key provided). The sides and back are deliberately left plain, without decoration, in order to highlight the richness of the lid. The interior is entirely veneered with rosewood, a precious wood with a warm hue, carefully adjusted and well preserved. With its elongated shape, this box was designed to store gloves, essential in the daily life of elegant 19th century men. It could also hold other personal effects, such as belts or toiletry accessories. Condition: very good overall condition; restored box, well-preserved contrasting marquetry, clean interior, functional lock with key. Dimensions: • Width: 25 cm • Depth: 10.5 cm • Height: 8.5 cm