Large Napoléon III case in Boulle marquetry

Large rectangular case in Boulle marquetry opening at the top with a flat lid. The exterior of the box is decorated on all its visible sides with a marquetry in the first part of perforated brass on a cons part of frank tortoiseshell with very clear spots. The set is decorated with a chiseled and gilded bronze trim. The central decoration of the top of the lid presents a polylobed cartouche traversed in the middle part by scrolls and foliage windings from which emerge spandrels and acanthus leaves; on the periphery of which run flowery leafy windings. The edge of the lid is decorated with architectural windings crowning the decoration of leafy windings and ribbons on each of its four sides. The top of the lid has a gilt bronze border that frames the field, ornamental ribbons alternating with open heart scrolls and finials, each of its four corners is flanked by a spandrel slanting outwards. A similar border adorns the base in elegy of the box, the whole rests on four feet composed of windings of acanthus leaves. An auberonnière lock secures the opening of the lid. The decorative repertoire used for this casket comes from engravings by Jean Berain, the ornamentalist of the Chamber and the King's Cabinet at Versailles. This superb box is of composition of pure style said: Louis-quatorzien where the perfect symmetry of the reasons remains cardinal value but which is distinguished by a more flexible and more varied ornamental research. The quality of the drawing and the engraving, including the shell of the counterpart, make it a high quality, rare and sought-after object. Parisian work from the Napoleon III period around 1870. Dimensions width 32.5cm, depth 28cm by 14cm in height.