Description

Mother of Pearl and Ormolu 

From our Sewing collection, we are delighted to offer this Palais Royal Necessaire Etui. The Etui of rare clam shell shape framed in ormolu with engraved mother of pearl panels mounted with two smaller clam shells. The mother of pearl beautifully decorated with engraved scroll work, bells, ribbons, flowers and classical motifs. The silver gilt frame is engraved with a similar foliage, flower and classical motif band to the bottom and top. When opened the Etui reveals a cushioned lining with a top removable silk cushion protecting the fully fitted tool pad with mother of pearl tools, a glass bottle and gold enamelled pansies decoration. The French Sewing Box dates to the first half of the 19th century during the reign of Louis XVIII (1814-1824) circa 1820.

Measurements (inches) 1.57 x 5.3 x 4.33

Literature Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue page 32

Palais Royal is the collective name of objects that were sold within a Palace in Paris. Originally it was built for Cardinal Richelieu in 1629 and was originally named Palais Cardinal but after the death of Richelieu, it was inherited by King Louis XIII and was named Palais Royal. The palace was later bequeathed to Philippe d’Orléans, a cousin of Louis XVI and in 1781, Philippe d’Orléans, on the verge of financial ruin, decided to subdivide the Palais Royal Garden, which until then had been free of any dwelling. Construction took five years, after which 90 merchants moved in. The area was a popular place for loiterers, betters, pickpockets, and prostitutes. When the revolution ended in 1799 the Palais Royal was refurbished again by Napoleon Bonaparte when he became Emperor in 1804 and it housed galleries and shops selling high quality luxury wares such as this notebook above. It again fell into disrepair when gambling was banned in 1838 but restored in the 1870s. Due to this, there are very few if any pearl Palais Royal objects crafted after 1840.

Mother of Pearl, 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.

Every purchase made from Mark Goodger Antiques is accompanied by a comprehensive suite of documents to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind. This includes our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen item, and an independent invoice for insurance purposes. Additionally, your purchase is protected by our no-hassle, money-back policy, and your item will be fully insured during the shipping process to safeguard against damage or loss.

Additional information