19thC French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Hunting Scene Jewelry Box Casket Glass Top

This is a fine 19th-century French Napoleon III-era jewelry casket, richly decorated in gilt bronze (ormolu) with highly detailed bas-relief scenes depicting a classical boar hunt. These intricate panels show riders on horseback with spears, hounds in pursuit, and noblemen engaged in the thrill of the chase—all classic motifs symbolizing aristocracy, bravery, and mastery over nature. The box is commonly known as a boîte à bijoux de chasse (hunting-themed jewelry box), typical of the Second Empire’s fascination with noble leisure.
This style flourished under the reign of Napoleon III (1852–1870), where decorative arts drew on historical themes with elaborate ornamentation. The detailed repoussé work displays exceptional craftsmanship: every tree branch, horse muscle, and hunter’s expression is crisply cast and chased. The beveled glass lid, surrounded by delicate openwork filigree, reveals a faded original tufted silk interior—once a plush cradle for precious jewels or devotional tokens.
Four spherical bronze feet support the box, raising it delicately from the surface, enhancing its visual elegance and function as a display piece. While secular in subject, such objects often held sacred mementos like rosaries, medallions, or reliquaries, making it appealing to collectors of Christian devotional antiques as well.
Both a statement of artistic taste and personal devotion, this piece reflects the romantic ideals and aesthetic richness of 19th-century French decorative art, embodying the luxury and craftsmanship of the period.
Measurements:
Height: approx. 7 cm
Depth: approx. 9 cm
Wide: 7 cm
 
Condition:
This jewelry box is in très bon état (very good condition). The gilt bronze retains much of its original luster with only minimal tarnish and a few small oxidation spots. The glass lid is intact, with slight edge wear but no cracks. Hinges are functional and secure. The interior silk shows expected fading and wear from age, yet remains structurally sound. An exceptional and complete piece.
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