A French Louis XVI Revival gilt brass oval jewelry casket of neoclassical design, dating to the late 19th century. The exterior is cast in relief with elegant floral swags and ribbon bows suspended between blank oval medallions, framed by stepped borders and beaded bands. The hinged lid opens to reveal a silvered interior, with the underside of the lid and the base of the casket beautifully embellished with densely engraved foliate scrollwork.

Historical & Style Details

• Style: Louis XVI Revival / Neoclassical
• Period: Late 19th Century
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Gilt brass, cast, chased, and engraved; silvered interior
• Materials: Brass, silver-plate
• Markings: Unmarked
• Decorative Details: Beaded rims, floral garlands, ribbon bows, blank oval cartouches, engraved rinceaux scrollwork to base and inner lid
• Condition: Wear to the gilt finish on raised details revealing the base metal, interior silvering tarnished with some oxidation and residue, hinge is intact and functional

History

This casket is characteristic of the Louis XVI Revival style that flourished in France during the late 19th century. Drawing inspiration from the classical elegance of the late 18th century, Parisian metalworkers produced highly decorative gilt-bronze and brass objects for the domestic luxury market. The inclusion of fine engraving on hidden surfaces, such as the underside of the lid and the base, is a hallmark of superior craftsmanship from this period.