10/31/2024 23:14:0
French Thuya & Brass Inlaid Serpentine Cave - Liqueur / Tantalus Box 19th Century (1 of 10)
Loveday Antiques
Flag of United KingdomHertfordshire, UK
Originally established in London since 1969, now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art with a strong emphasis on fine quality, uniqueness and colour. As proud members of British Antiques Dealers Association (BADA) and the London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association (LAPADA) and members of CINOA the worldwide association for Antique Dealers, our clients can buy with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association. Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.
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French Thuya & Brass Inlaid Serpentine Cave - Liqueur / Tantalus Box 19th Century

REF: 2934 / LA453545
£3,850
€4,497
$4,843
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Certified DealerApproved item399 sales by dealer
Certified DealerApproved item399 sales by dealer
Description
This is an exceptionally fine 19th Century French antique serpentine and brass marquetry inlaid cave - liqueur or tantalus box with mother of pearl. Primarily veneered in fine thuya wood of wonderful colour and figure, the serpentine form of this box is enhanced by cross bandings of kingwood and inlays incorporating finely cut and engraved brass, mother of pearl and kingwood. The sides of this box are also serpentine and this is an unusual feature, usually only the front is of serpentine shape and the additional time spent on this shaping emphasises the luxury nature of this piece. The lid on the box rises and folds back and the sides fold clear of the body to reveal a removable rosewood glass stand with cast gilt bronze handle, filled with eight glasses and four decanters all finely etched with flowers and the decanters having original cut glass stoppers. The patina is the original finished that has been cleaned and waxed. The quality of this piece is quite outstanding and would have been the height of luxury in Europe at the time. Although French in origin, English luxury retailers such as Aprey were known to retail these pieces to their clientele so it is not possible to say whether the piece was designed for the domestic or export market. The piece is of the level of quality associated with the firm of Vervelle Audot who traded from 1 Rue de Montmercy in Paris and who produced tantalus boxes of this quality for an elite Parisian client base. Even with fine examples such as the present piece there is usually some degree of damage to the glassware and so it is wonderful that this box and its contents have survived in perfect condition having all four original decanters and stoppers. There are spare holders to the back presumable which housed further liqueur glasses. A real collector's piece which would add a decorative accent to any fine interior.
measurements
Height:
26 cm
Width:
36 cm
Depth:
26 cm
declaration
Loveday Antiques has clarified that the French Thuya & Brass Inlaid Serpentine Cave - Liqueur / Tantalus Box 19th Century (LA453545) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being c.1870
additional info
location
This French Thuya & Brass Inlaid Serpentine Cave - Liqueur / Tantalus Box 19th Century is located in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom