Napoleon III Boulle Style Double Perfume Casket with Enamel Bottles
French, Paris, circa 1860–1875
An exceptional Napoleon III period luxury perfume casket, richly decorated in the celebrated Boulle style with intricate gilt brass arabesque inlay set against deep red tortoiseshell effect panels. This type of elaborate marquetry, inspired by the work of André Charles Boulle at the court of Louis XIV, saw a dramatic revival in France during the mid nineteenth century and became synonymous with the opulence of the Second Empire under Napoleon III.
The bombe form casket opens to reveal a beautifully preserved crimson silk lined interior housing its original pair of heavy crystal scent bottles. Each bottle is adorned with ornate gilt metal mounts and fitted with finely painted enamel lids depicting delicate floral bouquets in the manner of nineteenth century Parisian luxury toiletry objects. The bottles themselves feature hand cut crystal bodies, designed to refract light and elevate the presentation of precious perfumes or essences.
During the nineteenth century, such caskets would have been kept upon a lady’s dressing table or boudoir, holding expensive imported perfumes and scented oils. They were objects meant not only for use but for display, reflecting both taste and status within fashionable interiors of the period.
This example is particularly desirable for its excellent preservation, including the original interior lining, working lid mechanism with tassel pull, and its matching pair of decorated bottles. The craftsmanship, scale, and quality of materials clearly place it within the luxury decorative arts produced in Paris during the height of the Second Empire.
Provenance: Personally sourced in Paris.
Condition: Remarkably well preserved overall with rich color to the boulle style inlay, original interior silk lining intact, and both original bottles present. Minor age appropriate wear consistent with nineteenth century use.
Napoleon III Boulle Style Double Perfume Casket with Enamel Bottles
French, Paris, circa 1860–1875
An exceptional Napoleon III period luxury perfume casket, richly decorated in the celebrated Boulle style with intricate gilt brass arabesque inlay set against deep red tortoiseshell effect panels. This type of elaborate marquetry, inspired by the work of André Charles Boulle at the court of Louis XIV, saw a dramatic revival in France during the mid nineteenth century and became synonymous with the opulence of the Second Empire under Napoleon III.
The bombe form casket opens to reveal a beautifully preserved crimson silk lined interior housing its original pair of heavy crystal scent bottles. Each bottle is adorned with ornate gilt metal mounts and fitted with finely painted enamel lids depicting delicate floral bouquets in the manner of nineteenth century Parisian luxury toiletry objects. The bottles themselves feature hand cut crystal bodies, designed to refract light and elevate the presentation of precious perfumes or essences.
During the nineteenth century, such caskets would have been kept upon a lady’s dressing table or boudoir, holding expensive imported perfumes and scented oils. They were objects meant not only for use but for display, reflecting both taste and status within fashionable interiors of the period.
This example is particularly desirable for its excellent preservation, including the original interior lining, working lid mechanism with tassel pull, and its matching pair of decorated bottles. The craftsmanship, scale, and quality of materials clearly place it within the luxury decorative arts produced in Paris during the height of the Second Empire.
Provenance: Personally sourced in Paris.
Condition: Remarkably well preserved overall with rich color to the boulle style inlay, original interior silk lining intact, and both original bottles present. Minor age appropriate wear consistent with nineteenth century use.