Boulle tortoiseshell marquetry chest Attributed to André Charles Boulle

Rich Boulle marquetry box in brass on a red tortoiseshell background, framed with brass and ebony fillets.

This rectangular, ogee-shaped box is richly marquetry on all sides with a decoration known as "à la Bérain," composed of André Charles Boulle's favorite motifs, such as stylized butterflies and birds drawn from the imagination of the time with double tails, outstretched wings, open beaks, and heads turned backward, which are frequently found in André Charles Boulle's works. Also featured are motifs with double scrolls, fleurons, palmettes, garlands, and large heads topped with palmettes and surmounted by large fruit baskets.

The rectangular lid with a concave angle also features animal motifs of large squirrels, while the apron features Indian heads and large acanthus leaves at the corners.

The box rests on gilt bronze lion paw claw feet.

Early 18th-century work attributed to André Charles Boulle
Restored due to use and maintenance
Dimensions: H 12.5 cm x W 33 cm x D 25 cm