OUTSTANDING enamelled box. Probably German. Dates to about 1740. Measures: 3 1/4inch long; 2 3/8inch front to back and 1 1/2inch high. The box is enamel on metal. The metal frame might be gold as was often the case, but this is not clear. It is beautifully decorated with delicate engraving, and the thumb piece is a raised arc. The box itself is rectangular with a slightly arched lid. The outside of the box is handpainted in a soft pink red. Each surface depicts a scene of village life: the top shows a mother and little child walking in the countryside, swathed in flowing garments, the rural scenery around them and village in the background wonderfully depicted, the features and detail of their faces, clothing and basket fabulous. On the front is a poor beggar or travelling hawker, leaning on his stick, heavy sack on his back. Large hat, bent over from his burden. Again, wonderful, wonderful depiction. The sides have wonderful village and rural scenes. Each a great piece in it''s own right. The back depicts an old woman resting on a bench in the countryside. Fine, fine detail. Even the underside has a small vignette. The inside of the lid is definately museum quality. It depicts an aristocratic, wealthy lady. She smiles gently out at the viewer. Holds a green parasol in one hand. She is dressed in the finest of clothes with embroidery, lace and ruffles. Her hair is beautifully set and curled and fabulously depicted with the finest detail of the flower decoration and matching earrings. Her face is soft and beautiful, painted in delicate detail and colours. As is to be expected, there is surface cracking in many places on this box. Metalwork in very good condition. Status: For Sale Reference#: 828 Condition: See Description Year: See Description

Decorative Interior
Antique Boxes & Caddies