Spa Wood.

Dimensions of the two woods: 27 x 21.5 cm Dimensions with display: height 32.5 cm, depth 26 cm.
Some scratches in the varnish but good general condition.
On one side, the view of Spa, on the other, floral bouquets. The two buttons are in fancy pearl.
The expression "spa wood" is commonly used by antique dealers, by collectors, to designate wooden objects (boxes, cases, cases, etc.) made from natural wood or from wood that has been soaked in water. The ferruginous water of Spa waters thus giving it a grayish or brownish tint depending on the period or the manufacturing process. Illustrious artists have highlighted these objects by decorating them, most often with gouache but also with Indian ink, sometimes inlaid with mother-of-pearl, ivory or precious metals. The layers of varnish superimposed on some of Spa's wooden works have helped them through the centuries and keep all their shine. During the nineteenth century, the works, the wooden works of Spa are taken to the four corners of Europe and to certain distant lands, the decorations representing bouquets of flowers appear in number and the animal scenes are also very popular, without forgetting the putti, the loves in allegories and, of course, the views of the fountains and Spa. The various international exhibitions of the second half of the 19th century highlight this art industry, the works of Spa.