Description

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Unusual Tunbridge box veneered in birdseye maple with tulipwood crossbanding and end grain moulded edge, the box features inlays of butterflies, dogs and a central view of a gentleman and his horse on the top of the box. The interior is lined in cream silk.

Although the box is undoubtably reminiscent of English Tunbridge Ware, there are two key factors which point to the box being of French origin. Firstly, its lock and hinges are french. Secondly, there are traces of a stamp on the lid’s underside, vaguely reading “St Petersbourg”. France had a heavy influence on St Petersburg in Russia, the Russian nobility and ruling classes admiring all things French. Peter the Great employed French architects, engineers and artists to assist in the creation of the city. Catherine the Great invited French sculptors and designers to her court. The upper classes adopted French as a second language, and looked to France for its luxury good and fashion, with Paris becoming their favourite holiday destination.
It is therefore likely that this box was commissioned by a French cabinetmaker for a Russian client.

This fabulous Tunbridge Box comes with a fully working lock & tasselled key.

More information on Tunbridge ware can be found here.

Additional information