19th Century, Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewelry Casket Brienz Region

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Description

A finely carved 19th-century Black Forest walnut jewelry casket, attributed to the Brienz region of Switzerland, distinguished by its lavishly … Read more A finely carved 19th-century Black Forest walnut jewelry casket, attributed to the Brienz region of Switzerland, distinguished by its lavishly naturalistic ornamentation and sculptural detailing. The exterior is deeply carved with flowing rocaille motifs and a profusion of flowers and foliage in high relief, including a central rose in full bloom beneath the keyhole escutcheon. The lid is crowned with an exceptionally crisp and dimensional bouquet featuring a central rose surrounded by rosebuds and smaller blossoms arranged upon a scalloped bed of leaves. The serpentine and waisted form of the casket, resting on four scroll feet, is carved with a sculptural fluency that speaks to the influence of Baroque and Rococo revival styles, often celebrated in mid-to-late 19th-century Brienz woodwork.

The interior is lined in original plum-colored velvet, with a matching velvet-covered lid inset featuring an oval cartouche monogrammed “A.F.H.” in cursive script.

The Black Forest region, particularly Brienz, was internationally renowned during the 19th century for its virtuoso woodcarving industry, catering to both local and international collectors drawn to the Romantic and picturesque appeal of highly decorative wooden wares. Boxes of this type were often exported across Europe and America and frequently presented as wedding or anniversary gifts, especially when monogrammed or accompanied by velvet linings.

Measures: 8.25" w x 5.125" d x 6" h. See less