Box With Polychrome Floral Decoration And Mother-of-pearl Inlays, English Work

A surprising multi-purpose papier-mâché with mother-of pearl-inlay box made in the second half of the 19th century, abundantly decorated with polychrome and gold floral motifs. Two oval medallions decorated with bouquets of flowers, scrolls and imitation precious stones decorate the main face of this box and a rectangular medallion with cut sides enlivens the top of the lid. It opens with two side doors. The interior reveals a central niche framed by eight drawers including the lower drawer in the shape of a writing desk. It is composed of a large receptacle for pens and a folding shelf, lined with purple velvet and bordered with gold scrolls, which, when unfolded, can be used as a writing table. On the reverse, it is decorated in turn with bouquets of polychrome flowers on a black background. English work, signed Patent.
Minor restorations and wear.
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