Portable Apothecary Box In Floral Marquetry, Regional Work, France, 18th Century.

This rare portable apothecary's chest perfectly illustrates the ingenuity and refinement of 18th-century French cabinetmakers. Designed to contain remedies and medical instruments, it is the ancestor of the traveling pharmacies, recently honored by the Société d'Histoire de la Pharmacie in the exhibition "Portable Pharmacies from the 18th Century to the Present Day" (Université Paris Cité, September 20 – October 3, 2025). Structure and veneers: Frame in solid walnut, a wood commonly used for chests in regional centers such as Dijon, Lyon, and Grenoble. The whole is veneered on all sides with sheets of rosewood cut into grain. The edges are molded in quarter-round violetwood, emphasizing the silhouette and adding a touch of elegance. Lid decoration: Naturalistic floral marquetry composed of finely cut and engraved flowers and foliage, made of boxwood, service tree, sycamore maple and green-tinted holly. These species in varied shades stand out against a background of shimmering rosewood, all framed by a contoured fillet of violet wood and boxwood. Interior layout: The interior of the cabinet is veneered with rosewood, a rare sophistication. The three drawer fronts are also veneered with rosewood and bordered with a quarter-round of violet wood reminiscent of the exterior moldings. The layout includes: a central tray pierced with circular compartments for bottles (several old ones remain in blown glass), six rectangular boxes in cardboard painted in imitation of rosewood, three compartmentalized drawers, some of which have secrets. Locks and ironwork: Original, functional lock with an ingenious secret system: a false screw on the plate activates the mechanism and unlocks the flap, giving access to the drawers. Two fixing screws are period, two others later. The missing key has been remade with a fitted bit and an 18th-century wrought iron head, perfectly integrated. Side handles, hinges and lock escutcheon in wrought iron, all period. Small brass drawer pull rings, also period. Comment: The combination of precious woods, the finesse of the floral marquetry and the ingenious secret lock system reflect a work of luxury cabinetmaking. While the ornamentation and techniques recall Parisian productions, the use of walnut for the frame links this box to refined regional traditions, particularly in Dijon, Lyon or Grenoble, active centers in the 18th century. With its medical function, its complex layout and its rare marquetry decoration, this portable apothecary's box is an exceptional scientific and artistic object, a testament to the enlightened taste and art of living of the Age of Enlightenment. Condition and restoration: The box has been carefully cleaned and given a traditional finish, revealing the softness and depth of the wood. Some very discreet old veneer grafts were noted during the restoration. Dimensions Width: 34 cm Depth: 21.5 cm Height: 16.5 cm