Highly Detailed Antique French Gilt Bronze Coffret, Jewel Box, Paris, Circa 1880

Description

Known as a coffret à bijoux, this highly detailed gilt bronze jewelry box has a pristine plush red interior. A … more Known as a coffret à bijoux, this highly detailed gilt bronze jewelry box has a pristine plush red interior. A maker’s mark on the underside indicates that the French coffret was manufactured by “AB Paris”, most likely around 1880. Based on the size of the coffret, it could have been used while traveling, with the velvet interior designed to keep jewelry safe. A border of beading adorns the hinged lid, surrounding a kneeling cupid that is framed by four crinkle ribbon wreaths. The winged cherub is positioned askew with his hands reaching behind him towards his bow and quiver. A thin cavetto edge finishes the lid, which closes above a repeating foliate border. Each corner of the box has an armless putto with a foliate tail known as a genius. Their leafy tails curl forward, terminating above each of the scalloped leaf feet. In between the genii is a wonderful cartouche of smaller genii supporting an arabesque border enveloping a female figure. These foliate tails are even more elaborate, forming impressive grapevine rinceaux. Floral swags extend from the sides of the arabesque, dropping down to partially obscure a foliate and beaded apron. Our gilt bronze coffret jewel box can be used as originally intended, but it would also make a fantastic decorative box for a coffee table, console, or mantel ledge. less