These are a matched or complementary pair of high-quality French decorative jewelry boxes (or "coffrets à bijoux") from the late 19th century, circa 1880, made in Paris.
PROVENANCE
Gilt mark monogram to base + F. Lacoste signature on the plaque.
The handwritten note they came with reads: "French Jewel box in unusual form and color Circa 1880 From Paris."
APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS:
BOX: 7"W x 6"L x 3"D
GUITAR: 7"W x 2.5"L x 1"D
They exemplify the opulent Napoleon III / late Victorian French taste for richly decorated small luxury objects, often used for jewelry, trinkets, or as ornamental desk/dressing table items.
*******Key Features and Style******
Color and Material: Deep cobalt blue (or similar rich blue) enamel ground with elaborate gilt (ormolu or gilt bronze) scrolling foliate and rococo-style mounts, borders, and decorations.
This "unusual color" contrast was popular in French decorative arts of the period.
******Rectangular Box*******
- Lid features a hand-painted miniature romantic/ mythological scene: a semi-draped classical woman (possibly a nymph or allegorical figure) with flowing scarves, accompanied by a cherub/Cupid with bow and arrow.
- Ornate gilt frame around the plaque, with additional landscape vignettes or panels on the sides (visible in the angled photo).
- Hinged lid with clasp.
- Highly unusual novelty form mimicking a stringed instrument (likely a mandolin or small guitar/lute).
- Blue enamel body with gilt stringing, soundhole details, floral/scrolling motifs, and a chain for carrying or display.
- Also hinged, with matching decorative style.
******Historical Context******
Circa 1880 places them in the Napoleon III / Second Empire to early Third Republic era, when French decorative arts emphasized revival styles (rococo, neoclassical) with rich colors, gilding, and romantic scenes. Blue enamel with gilt was a favored combination for jewelry caskets, bonbonnières, and nécessaires. The guitar shape is a whimsical "unusual form" that would have appealed to collectors or as a gift.
They look well-preserved with typical age-related crazing/cracking on the painted surface (common in enamel/porcelain) and some wear to the gilding.
Other than dusting it and keeping it stored in a protected environment, I'm not cleaning more extensively since buyers often like items to be in original as-found condition.
TAGS: #French #antique #rococo #porcelain #Paris
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