19th Century French Empire Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Jewelry Box

Description

This french empire 19th century rectangular porcelain dresser box or jewlery decorative casket has a wonderfully patinated powder blue/cerulean light … more This french empire 19th century rectangular porcelain dresser box or jewlery decorative casket has a wonderfully patinated powder blue/cerulean light blue background color and features grotesque masks, architectural vase, fruit, flowers and leafy scrolled design throughout painted as a trompe l’oeil in the round. Ormolu mounts enrich the whole box.
the paintings on this casket are striking as is the color palette used, a wonderful mix of light purple, cream, blue and soft brown.
the lid is centered by a grotesque mask inspired by antiquity. The front, back and sides are profusely decorated with architectural elements, cartouches and volutes. The design is centered by a vase with a fruit arrangement that appear to be plums. The decoration could refer to the allegory of autumn and the mask painted on the lid could refer to bacchus.
both the color of the porcelain and the paintings are very unusual and a sign of high quality and uniqueness.the box was most probably given to a high-ranking lady as a gift on the occasion of her marriage, or perhaps after the birth of a child.
the lidded box is fitted with ormolu mounts, hinges and clasp. A gilt bronze band finelly chiseled in the form of a rope adorns the upper part. The trinket box rests on four gilt bronze lion paw feet.
this striking french porcelain box is nicely sized to hold a variety of sundry items and displays beautifully in a vitrine or on any piece of furniture from the bedroom to the powder room. It's a wonderful decorative collectible piece boasting a very versatile and functional size perfect both as a jewelry box or as a desk accessory.
there is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece for any discerning collector.
the inside and underside of the box are finished in a white color.
the box is largely in good condition with no scratches, cracks or repairs. Quality piece of lovely size rare to find in this condition ad quality
the underside of the piece bears an h mark and some numbers but we have not identified the manufacturing
measures: h.12, w.14, d. 10 cm less