Antiquary & Expert CNES

"Treasures of yesteryear imbued with history"

Place Fleury, Beaune - Burgundy, France

Contact & shop

Small tortoiseshell, brass and lacquer box – 19th century work, in the Boulle style

BackgroundEraser 20250906 170618555 Small tortoiseshell, brass and lacquer box – 19th century work, in the Boulle style
  • Period: circa 1820-1850
  • Provenance: France
  • Dimensions: 11cm by 6cm
  • Price: 450

Elegant small rectangular box (11 x 6 cm), decorated with red tortoiseshell marquetry, gilded brass and colored lacquer (blue, white). The lid has a symmetrical decoration of foliage, scrolls and frames, echoing the sumptuous style of Charles-André Boulle's creations in the 17th century.

20250906 170542 Small box in tortoiseshell, brass and lacquer – 19th century work, in the Boulle style
20250906 170521 Small box in tortoiseshell, brass and lacquer – 19th century work, in the Boulle style

This type of luxury object was very popular in the 19th century, during the Restoration and the Second Empire, a time when enthusiasts rediscovered the Louis XIV style. Parisian and provincial workshops then produced caskets, necessaries, and small boxes, often intended to decorate a desk or to contain tobacco, jewelry, or business cards.

The reverse, made of fine wood, contrasts with the richness of the upper decoration. The visible cracks in the tortoiseshell and lacquer testify to the age and authenticity of the piece.


Technique: tortoiseshell marquetry, brass, lacquer on wooden core
Condition: minor wear, cracks and splits, beautiful decorative shine.

20250906 170521 1 Small box in tortoiseshell, brass and lacquer – 19th century work, in the Boulle style
20250906 170532 Small box in tortoiseshell, brass and lacquer – 19th century work, in the Boulle style