Tahan In Paris (1844-1882) - Writing Box In Precious Wood Inlaid With Golden Brass, 1860

TAHAN Pierre-Alexandre (1806-1882), Cabinetmaker in Paris - Superb Office Writing Case in a rectangular shape with rounded corners covered, on its sloping box, its elegantly profiled ogee tier, with a shimmering veneer of amboyna burl surrounded by bands of mahogany burl of a deep tone. Illuminating the rich chromaticism of its precious, most chosen wood species, marquetry inlaid with re-engraved gilded brass trims, punctuates, embellishes and stamps this "hand piece" dedicated to the epistolary activities of both women and men of the 19th century. Thus, baguettes or split lists punctuated with volutes, scrolls and leafy acanthus florets follow its contour, framing the panels covered with amboyna. Evoking the Regency period hinges then garnishing the 18th century leather writing wallets. century, ornamental motifs with delicately crafted openwork enamel the facade of the box in perfect symmetry; this is embellished with polylobed medallions laced with volutes, foliage, fleurons and acanthus palmettes with delicate design centered, at the level of the keyhole with the fine elegiac motif of a Lyre and on the flap of a Rocaille Cartouche intended to receive the figures, coat of arms (here not affixed) of the sponsor or recipient of this particularly refined Office Writing Case. Once turned, its key set with pearl and chiseled with a small openwork fleuron reveals an interior surrounded by beautiful mahogany. In the lower part, its first flap offers an advantageous desk upholstered in black leather with gold-plated edging and spandrels. Raised, its second flap reveals a sophisticated paper holder with honeycomb compartments with undulating profiles. This is judiciously completed with a pen holder (equipped with a grip button) flanked by four compartments intended to accommodate wax bar, scraper, sealing seal, etc. and sand box also known as powder box, inkwell. Preserved, these two buckets are adorned on their faceted crystal bodies with rings and vermeil caps embellished with radiating interlacing motifs. Equipped with a leather tab, the partially folded desk releases a deep locker within which notebooks, amicorum albums, blank or indiscreet papers can invest with their pleasant furnishings this luxurious and very elegant "hand furniture" created under the Second Empire by Pierre-Alexandre Tahan (1806-1882), renowned artist-tabletmaker and cabinetmaker, whose Box-Writer bears engraved, on a brass plate, the signature "TAHAN" followed by his honorary title: "Cabinetmaker to the Emperor ". Which leads us to date the creation of the Writing Case presented between 1855-1860, - a period during which this "ingenious and brilliant manufacturer" was awarded the laudatory term "prince of small cabinetmaking" in 1849 (Blanqui, Rapport du Jury of the Exhibition of Industrial Products) knew how to conquer, in addition to the favors of the Emperor Napoleon III from whom he received "certain particular orders and all privileged" (Lord Pilgrim, 1859), as "artist of the tablet which "has always been the specialty of his house" (1851), the votes of the "spiritual Parisian public" then renowned "for its taste for aristocracy in the arts". Harmonious silhouette, refined chromatism, ornamental delicacy give this precious "hand furniture" highly prized by an era seasoned with imperatives or secret scriptural activities charm, distinction and elegant discretion. At the same time practical, "of the most delicate taste and workmanship", this Box-Writer which must have been among the luxurious furnishing objects made by Maison Tahan, reconciles the remarks made by M.Humbert visiting the dawn of the year 1858 its "splendid establishment": "(..) sought after by the delicate and elegant society of Paris, the kits, the boxes, the desks,...are distinguished by the graceful stamp of simplicity and good taste. No heaviness in the ornaments, no pretension in the general composition: Mr. Tahan knows the respect he owes to his very special clientele and the importance there is, for the reputation of the House, in not deviate from the rules of judiciously understood art” (Revue Artistique et Industrielle, January 3, 1858, p.9). For additional information on Maison Tahan, see our files presenting objects signed by this prestigious artist-tablet maker and art cabinetmaker from the Second Empire. Fine tablet work from the second half of the 19th century signed by the Parisian Maison Pierre-Alexandre Tahan (1844-1882). Napoleon III period, circa 1860. Materials: amboyna burl, mahogany; inlaid re-engraved gilded brass; leather. Dimensions: H.: 22.5 cm; L.: 40 cm;-Pr.: 32 cm. In perfect condition. Buffer varnish. With his key. Functional lock. Original cut crystal buckets.