Precious Root Wood Box with Boulle Marquetry. France, XIX Century

Gorgeous blur-veneered wooden box with Boulle marquetry details, in very good condition and really antique. The box was made in France in the time of Napoleon III (19th century) and remains in magnificent condition. It has been carefully restored and bears a fine French-polish finish that enhances the lovely inlaid details and provides a warm satin glow. The cover is embellished with an impressive marquetry work composed of mother-of-pearl and golden brass pieces: a central motive and a delicate frame. The combination of the ebony-finished wood, the blur veneer, the mother-of-pearl and the brass creates a state-of-the-art piece. The box preserves the original lock and key in perfect working order. Inside is fully covered by bright blue antique satin, a padded upholstery lining that catches the eye for its incredibly good condition. The fabric is clean, with no torn or worn parts and well adhered to the boxs sides. The padded upholstery is also wonderfully preserved, with all the original blue-satin-covered buttons. The black and golden brown wood makes a good match with the bright blue stain and creates a wonderful effect, with a timeless and evocative beauty. This antique blur wood box is perfect to serve as a jewel box or a place to store memories, personal belongings and sentimental items. It will shine on a romantic vanity or on top of a stately sideboard. Measurements: Width: 7.8 in / 20 cm. Depth: 7.8 in / 20 cm. Height: 3.3 in. History of André-Charles Boulle André-Charles Boulle (11 November 1642 28 February 1732) was a French cabinetmaker generally considered to be the most preeminent artist in the field of marquetry. Christened by his contemporaries as "the most skillful artisan in Paris," André-Charles Boulle's name is synonymous with the practice of veneering furniture with marquetry of tortoiseshell, pewter, and brass. Although he did not invent the technique, Boulle was its greatest practitioner and lent his name to its common name: boulle work. Boulle also specialized in floral marquetry in both stained and naturally colored wood. Many of his designs are illustrated in a published around 1720: Nouveaux dessins de meubles et ouvrages de bronze et de marqueterie. Before 1666 Boulle was awarded the title of Master Cabinetmaker; in 1672 the king granted him the royal privilege of lodging in the Palais du Louvre. In the same year, he achieved the title of Cabinetmaker and Sculptor to Louis XIV, king of France. This new title allowed him to produce furniture as well as works in gilt bronze such as chandeliers, wall lights, and mounts. Boulles works can be found in the Palace of Versailles, the Chantilly Castle, the Cheverny Castle, the Louvre Museum, the Wallace Collection and the Royal Collection in London and the Getty Center in Los Angeles.