This wooden trinket box is finely decorated with boulle work on the lid and around the key hole. ‘Boulle’ work refers to the practice of overlaying furniture with a thin layer or tortoiseshell ,that is inlaid with brass in opulent patterns and elaborate designs.
Boulle work was created in the 17th Century and remained fashionable through to the 18th and 19th centuries.
The bottom of the interior is lined with partially tufted blue silk. The original key is still present and in working order.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 28 x 20 x 10 cm.
Age: 19th Century, circa 1850s.
Condition: In antique condition with signs of wear, consistent with its age. The tortoise shell has dried out in places, creating a craquele: this can be seen in the pictures. I have treated the box with clear bees wax to restore some of the suppleness of the tortoise, and I would advise to keep doing this ones or twice a year to keep the box in good shape.
The bottom of the interior is lined with partially tufted blue silk. The original key is still present and in working order.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 28 x 20 x 10 cm.
Age: 19th Century, circa 1850s.
Condition: In antique condition with signs of wear, consistent with its age. The tortoise shell has dried out in places, creating a craquele: this can be seen in the pictures. I have treated the box with clear bees wax to restore some of the suppleness of the tortoise, and I would advise to keep doing this ones or twice a year to keep the box in good shape.