Antique French TAHAN Boulle Serpentine Jewelry Chest, 12" Box

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About the Item

The signature excites anyone who knows their French - their French maker marks, that is. TAHAN is perhaps the cabinetry and luxury box maker equivalent to HERMES, or Cartier, or Tiffany & Co., and is among only a handful of makers whose work is so valued in France, dealers are known to buy damaged boxes just for the TAHAN lock plate. One can't be too careful, and must always match that name with the superior quality of the box, to be sure you have not paid premium price for only the name plate. To be sure, this large jewelry box is of the quality we're used to from TAHAN, and the lock plate is serpentine in form to match the shape of the coffret, casket or chest to which it was originally mounted. The work on this elegant large box is simply stunning. Boulle, the process of marquetry of brass and tortoise shell, after that invention of craft by André-Charles Boulle (11 November 1642 – 28 February 1732), is achieved here with exquisite skill and the end result is a fine quality boulle chest without a bit of damage or loss to show for its 150 or so years. Yes, this one would date to the Napoleon III era, I believe, making it c. 1850-70, or perhaps slightly earlier. Even the interior is the original old silk, and is beautifully preserved. This one is truly a museum quality piece. Lesser ones can be found in the Louvre Apartments (home to the last Emperor of France, Louis Napoleon, or better known simply as Napoleon III. Also in museums around the world. The only boulle work that might exceed this in quality and value would be that done by Andre' Charles Boulle, himself. Note the size of the casket is nearly 11.5" x 8.5" and 4.5" tall. Extra large by French coffret standards.

Very good to excellent condition for age and type, there are not lifts or losses, not a single bit of the old shell is missing, as you can see from our all-around photos. Intricately worked, the brass is also engraved. Worked on a casket of mahogany, the quality is evident both inside and out. The name plate confirms that this is the work of TAHAN, Paris, a most highly respected firm in Paris. The single tiny flaw to note is that when the lock is not engaged, there is a slight lift to the front of the casket. We've shown it from the side so you can see what we mean. I know I have a key to fit this casket, too, but it's dropped out somewhere and we've yet to locate it. Will do so, for we know the buyer will wish to have it and to be able to lock this superb casket. Truly a museum piece!

Dimensions:
Height: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)Width: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)Depth: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Napoleon III (c. 1850-70)
Condition:
Very good to excellent condition, detailed in listing text above and in our images. Please refer to both.
Seller Location:
South Coast, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: 1211boulebox41stDibs: U120119918179

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