Antique Napoleon III Jewelry Box

Details

Description

Refined and unique, this antique gilt copper box dating from the 19th century embodies all the charm of French decorative … Read more Refined and unique, this antique gilt copper box dating from the 19th century embodies all the charm of French decorative art. Richly decorated in relief, it delicately illustrates two famous fables by Jean de La Fontaine, blending literary elegance and craftsmanship.

The lid depicts a scene from "The Crow and the Fox," a famous fable about flattery and cunning. The front and back of the box depict "The Lion and the Rat," an ode to gratitude and mutual aid. The chiseled details, imbued with movement and narrative, give the object great expressive power.

The interior of the box is lined with an original light blue fabric cushion, adding a delicate and contrasting touch to the gilt metal structure. Although the gilding shows some wear over time, it contributes to the authentic charm of this piece. See less