Vernis Martin Collar Box

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!

Manufacturer: N/A

SKU: 191