Jewellery Box with Plaques in Coromandel by Pearce

Description

Coromandel Veneered Jewellery Box

From our Jewellery Box collection, we are pleased to offer this fine coromandel veneered jewellery box by Pearce, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880.

The jewellery box is of rectangular form with a gently domed lid, veneered throughout in richly figured coromandel and finished with finely engraved brass strapping. Set within the brass mounts are three oval blue and white jasperware plaques depicting scenes drawn from classical mythology. The lid features Aurora and Chariot, while the front panels are mounted with A Sacrifice to Aesculapius and Ulysses Staying the Chariot of Victory, adding both narrative interest and decorative contrast.

The interior is fitted with emerald green cushioned velvet and arranged with a removable upper tray containing twin compartments and parallel ring or cufflink cushions. Beneath sits a larger storage compartment for jewellery and personal items. The tray lifts out via two side tabs, allowing easy access to the lower section.

To the rear, the box retains its original engraved maker’s plaque reading “Pearce, Maker, 77 Cornhill”, confirming its London origin and association with one of the city’s respected Victorian makers of luxury boxes and dressing cases.

Joseph Pearce

Pearce was a mid-19th century London maker and retailer specialising in high-quality dressing cases, writing boxes, and refined personal accessories. Active from the 1840s until the early 1870s, he operated from 77 Cornhill, in the City of London, a prestigious address associated with luxury trades.

Originally listed as a cutler, Pearce became best known for finely made writing slopes, stationery boxes, tea caddies, vanity boxes, and travel cases. His work frequently employed premium timbers such as coromandel, rosewood, and walnut, often enhanced with brass or silver mounts and occasional decorative inlays.

Pearce also retailed pieces by leading contemporary makers, including George Betjemann and Sons, positioning his business within the upper tier of Victorian luxury goods. Today, items bearing the name Joseph Pearce, Cornhill are regarded as well-made examples of mid-Victorian cabinet work and are sought after for their quality, materials, and association with London’s luxury trade.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Pearce.

Coromandel

is a valuable wood found in India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. It has a contrasting hazel-brown colour with black grain. It is a dense, heavy wood that is so popular it has been logged to extinction over the last few hundred years. This makes Calamander pieces even more special.

For further information see our Woods encyclopaedia on Coromandel.

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With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide.

Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality.

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Additional information