Briefcase - Desk Pad - Writing Or Office Object

Boiled cardboard briefcase with ''chinoiseries'' decoration, veryin vogue during the Second Empire. Originating in the workshops of Pont-à-Mousson(54), the papier-mâché or boiled cardboard technique first appeared in thethe 16th century, and developed particularly under the reign of Napoleon III.of Napoleon III.
The decoration of this desk blotter, in imitation of Far Eastern lacquerconsists of mother-of-pearl inlays forming a bouquet of flowers.flowers. The blue-painted bells are highlighted with gildingin a frame bordered by a painted and gilded border at the cornerswith natural pearls. The interior contains a bookletprotected by embossed paper with a white interlacing motif underlinedon a gilded background. The leather part (the spine) that connects the two(front and back) is in poor condition. Some weardue to use. The crackling is original. Late19th century.