French Antique Jewellery Box in Cuban Mahogany, Attributed to Martin-Guillaume Biennais
Ref DL220
SOLD
Dating from around 1810, this large antique jewellery box in Cuban Mahogany takes the form of an elliptic cylinder. It is edged and inlaid with brass and finished with recessed radial brass handles. Although unsigned, this box is very likely the work of Martin-Guillaume Biennais - one of the most respected Parisian cabinetmakers, and manufacturer to Napoleon Bonaparte and the French Imperial Family.
The interior walls are made up of twelve panels of padded velvet inset within a moiré silk framework. This arrangement shows the transition from the light (most reflective) side of the velvet pile to its dark side as one moves around the box. Stowed within the lid section is a removable brass framed mirror backed in solid Mahogany with a hinged brass stand.
The double action lock has been fitted with a cloverleaf (tréfle) shaped drill pin and retains its original key. Made significant by its usage on the magnificent 1787 and 1791 ’Nécessaire de Voyage’ boxes commissioned by Marie Antoinette, the cloverleaf shape is believed to symbolise the Christian holy trinity. This unusual shape makes the lock extremely hard to open without its characteristic key, and further serves to add complication for any lock picker or locksmith with the unenviable task of key duplication.
Comments:
A box so beautiful that one must consider the appropriateness of their attire before being in its presence! ... Read More
The interior walls are made up of twelve panels of padded velvet inset within a moiré silk framework. This arrangement shows the transition from the light (most reflective) side of the velvet pile to its dark side as one moves around the box. Stowed within the lid section is a removable brass framed mirror backed in solid Mahogany with a hinged brass stand.
The double action lock has been fitted with a cloverleaf (tréfle) shaped drill pin and retains its original key. Made significant by its usage on the magnificent 1787 and 1791 ’Nécessaire de Voyage’ boxes commissioned by Marie Antoinette, the cloverleaf shape is believed to symbolise the Christian holy trinity. This unusual shape makes the lock extremely hard to open without its characteristic key, and further serves to add complication for any lock picker or locksmith with the unenviable task of key duplication.
Comments:
A box so beautiful that one must consider the appropriateness of their attire before being in its presence! ... Read More
- Width: 35.9 cm / 14.25 inches
- Depth: 23 cm / 9 inches
- Height: 14 cm / 5.5 inches
