Small Box From The Napoleon III Period, Second Half Of The 19th Century.

This rectangular box features exquisite Boulle marquetry on its top, composed of finely engraved brass scrollwork against a brown tortoiseshell background. The lid's edge is highlighted by a thin, quarter-round brass molding, providing an elegant and refined finish. The four sides of the box are veneered with ebonized wood, enhanced with fine inlaid brass fillets, offering a sophisticated contrast to the lid's decoration. Upon opening, the interior is lined with rosewood, a noble and warm wood. The box retains its original lock and hinges; it comes with its key, and the lock is functional. The piece is in very good condition, with an old varnish and a beautiful, even patina. Underneath the box is an old, partially legible maker's or merchant's label, mentioning a Parisian address ("19 boulevard des…"), likely Italian, but unidentified to date. Historical context: This box perfectly reflects the Second Empire's taste for Ancien Régime styles, characteristic of the reign of Napoleon III. This period saw a renewed interest in Boulle-style marquetry, inspired by 17th-century works, using tortoiseshell, brass, and dark woods. These objects, intended for a bourgeois or aristocratic clientele, testify to the refinement and decorative expertise of the second half of the 19th century. Dimensions: Height: 4.4 cm Width: 16.4 cm Depth: 6.1 cm