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Antique French Vernis Martin Collar / Cuff Box, ca. 1880s (late
Napoleon III period). 5-1/2”D x 5-1/2”H, with hinged lid.
Vernis Martin is a lustrous lacquer substitute widely used in
the 18th century to decorate furniture and such personal
articles as brisé fans and snuffboxes. The process of adding
bronze or gold powder to green varnish was perfected by the
Martin family, hence its name vernis Martin (“Martin varnish”).
Highly praised by Voltaire, it was developed to imitate East
Asian lacquerware being. This particularly box was designed
to hold a woman’s collars and cuffs (5 of which are still
inside). Interior has remains of red lacquer. Top of lid
feaures a romantic scene of a woman in a forest, while the
front of the box itself shows a lady stepping out of a vitrine
held by several young men. Overall in very good condition,
save metal hinge having separated from lid and causing a bit
of damage (hidden when lid closed). Tres romantique!
Orig. $195.00
SALE $135.00
Napoleon III period). 5-1/2”D x 5-1/2”H, with hinged lid.
Vernis Martin is a lustrous lacquer substitute widely used in
the 18th century to decorate furniture and such personal
articles as brisé fans and snuffboxes. The process of adding
bronze or gold powder to green varnish was perfected by the
Martin family, hence its name vernis Martin (“Martin varnish”).
Highly praised by Voltaire, it was developed to imitate East
Asian lacquerware being. This particularly box was designed
to hold a woman’s collars and cuffs (5 of which are still
inside). Interior has remains of red lacquer. Top of lid
feaures a romantic scene of a woman in a forest, while the
front of the box itself shows a lady stepping out of a vitrine
held by several young men. Overall in very good condition,
save metal hinge having separated from lid and causing a bit
of damage (hidden when lid closed). Tres romantique!
Orig. $195.00
SALE $135.00
Vernis Martin Collar Box