Black lacquered papier-mâché box, oriental court scene, 19th century

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Antique papier-mâché box, 19th century, with polychrome and gilded decoration on a black background depicting an oriental court scene. A charming object with a strong graphic presence, in the spirit of exotic decorations popular in the 19th century.

Description

Rectangular papier-mâché box with a hinged lid, featuring a black lacquered or varnished surface. The lid is adorned with a very lively decoration, composed of figures in richly ornate costumes, draperies, architecture, geometric friezes, and gilded motifs.

The composition combines black, brown, golden ochre tones with light highlights, featuring dense decorative work evoking interior court scenes and oriental or Far Eastern subjects. The interior is treated in black, with a simple and functional structure.

Context

Papier-mâché was widely used in the 19th century for manufacturing boxes, caskets, and small decorative objects. Lightweight, molded, and then hardened, it allowed for clean shapes and readily accepted painted, gilded, or varnished decorations imitating the brilliance of lacquered objects.

The decoration is in line with the 19th-century taste for exotic compositions, court scenes, and ornaments inspired by Asian and Oriental arts, which were very present in European decorative arts of this period.

Condition

Second-hand item, sold as is. Patina of use consistent with age: wear of the decoration, small surface losses, rubbing on edges and corners, internal traces, and visible signs of time. These elements contribute to the antique character of the box without altering its overall decorative readability.

AFW

Careful packaging suitable for antique objects. Professional shipping with reinforced protection to best preserve the object during transport.

Keywords: [Antique box Papier-mâché 19th century]