Small Boulle Marquetry Box In Tortoiseshell, Pewter, And Brass

A very elegant small rectangular casket featuring Boulle marquetry, brass and pewter set against a tortoiseshell background, all framed in ebony.

The casket boasts a particularly refined composition, richly inlaid on all sides with designs of scrolling foliage, leaves, and vases.

The lid is especially remarkable; its design centers on a stylized rosette, alternating pewter and tortoiseshell within a brass circle, encircled by a wide band of tortoiseshell "contre-partie". Flanking this are large, symmetrical foliate arabesques crafted from chased pewter and tortoiseshell contre-partie. This impressive decoration is bordered by a wide frieze of engraved pewter featuring stylized foliage.

The sides of the casket echo this ornamental vocabulary, featuring compositions of confronting scrolls, acanthus leaves, and volutes punctuated by vases. On the front panel, the marquetry centers on a gilt-bronze keyhole escutcheon shaped like stylized foliage.

The piece is particularly appealing for its compact proportions, which concentrate the full refinement of Boulle marquetry into a small surface area. The choice of tortoiseshell as a background allows the brass to stand out harmoniously, while the use of pewter, a less common material, lends the casket an added air of prestige by creating a particularly subtle play of light.

French work, 18th century.
Restoration consistent with age and maintenance.

Dimensions: H 10 cm x W 16.5 cm x D 13 cm