Description

Mounted In ormolu 

From our Jewellery Box collection, we are delighted to offer this French Empire Mother of Pearl and Ormolu Jewellery Box. The Jewellery Box of petit form mounted in ormolu with twin loop handles, shield engraved escutcheon and central basket of flower decoration to the lid. The outside of the box fitted with single sheets of iridescent Mother of Pearl shell finishing the high quality craftsmanship. The interior of the box is lined in cushioned green velvet throughout and is faced in brass. The box dates to the early 19th century during the French Empire (1804-1815) and the reign of Napoleon circa 1810.

Ormolu a technique of applying ground, high-carat gold–mercury to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold coating. The French refer to this technique as bronze doré and in English it is often referred to as gilt bronze. It is a finishing technique which adds an overall gold look to any object without the massive cost and impracticality of making an object out of solid gold. Mercury was outlawed in the 1830’s in France however it was still used until the early 1900s.

Mother of Pearl is an organic-inorganic composite material produced by some molluscs as an inner shell layer. It is the same material that natural pearls are made from and is desirable due to its strong and resilient makeup along with its beautiful iridescent shimmer.

French Empire was the empire ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte who established French dominance over much of continental Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. It lasted from May 1804 to May 1814 and rose again briefly from March 1815 to July 1815.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information