A beautiful antique French gilt-metal jewellery casket, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century and designed in the wonderfully extravagant Louis XV / Rococo Revival style.

The circular casket stands on three elegant cabriole legs and is richly decorated throughout with scrolling acanthus leaves, shells and floral ornament. The domed hinged lid continues the deeply modelled decoration, giving the little box the appearance of a miniature piece of French furniture.

Inside is a wonderfully original and timeworn interior. The lid retains its deep red velvet lining, while the base contains a soft, buttoned faded pink silk cushion, originally intended to cradle rings, brooches and other precious pieces of jewellery.

The underside is impressed “414 DÉPOSÉ”, denoting a registered French design/model.

The gilt finish has mellowed beautifully with age, giving the casket the warm patina and faded grandeur that makes these old French boudoir pieces so appealing.

Origin: France

Date: Circa 1900–1920

Style: Louis XV / Rococo Revival

Material: Gilt metal, silk and velvet

Mark: 414 DÉPOSÉ

Size: Approx. 10 × 10 cm

Condition: Good antique condition with age-related rubbing and wear to the gilt finish. The original textile interior has fading, staining, wear and some loose threads, all entirely consistent with its age and shown in the photographs. The interior has deliberately been left untouched to preserve its wonderful original character.

A gorgeous and increasingly difficult-to-find French boudoir jewellery casket, beautiful displayed on a dressing table and still perfect for holding a favourite ring or small treasure.