Exquisite! Framed Antique 18th C French Pique on Wood Box Casket Cover Shell Nacre MOP Ecaille Mother of Pearl Inlay

Antiques : Box, Casket, Caddy : Wood

 

An exquisite example of 18th century French inlay (called pique)! While we fairly often see examples of French inlaid tortoiseshell, this very intricate work of "ecaille en nacre" (mother of pearl inlay) is shell inlaid on wood. The very intricate design features a Bird of Paradise surrounded by mythical animals or grotesques, among delicate tendrils of twining vines, flowers and leaves. The pink, blue and green colors of the nacre are even more vivid in person. But, the true spectacle here is the intricacy of the stunning inlay, which was all done by hand: such quality would only be found in an 18th century piece, the apogee of French craftsmanship. The piece was probably, originally the lid to a stunning jewelry box. What has survived of the jewel box has been lovingly preserved as a work of art, in a traditional open, gilded wood frame, for display on a wall.

Wood Inlay c. 8 3/8 X 6 1/2 in. (21.2 X 14 cm.); Frame c. 14 1/4 X 11 1/2 (36 X 29 cm.)

The wood is probably walnut and has a luscious patina. There are a couple of chips on the edge which attest to age. There are very few losses of the nacre, as shown in the images. A beautiful work of art for the serious collector of French pique! See also our wood pique necessaire, aide memoir, note or card case, listed separately.

Item ID: 1005-06