Early 19th Century Ebony and Brass Boulle Marquetry Stationery Box, George IV

Details

Description

An opulent ebony and brass letter box decorated in the style of celebrated ébéniste André-Charles Boulle. The box features ebony … Read more An opulent ebony and brass letter box decorated in the style of celebrated ébéniste André-Charles Boulle. The box features ebony and brass boulle marquetry with elaborate designs and arabesques; “contre-partie” figures of vases with flowers adorn each of the narrower sides (the underlying ebony forming vase & floral imagery, outlined by the elegant scrolling inlaid brass). The box’s hinged top is slightly domed and richly decorated framed with moulded brass; the four sides are concave sweeping up and inward gracefully; all resting upon four turned ebony feet. The original interior in coramandel wood features two secured slots for “Answered” and “Unanswered” correspondence along with brass pull handles and a working lock & key.

This is a rare and high quality box in especially fine condition; an exceptional example of Boulle artistry, English George IV, first third 19th century.

height 5 in. 13 cm., width: 12.5 in. 32 cm., depth: 9 in. 23 cm. See less