Rare Georgian 18th Century French Louis XV Vernis Martin Gold Mounted Snuff Box

  
BEAUTIFUL FINE QUALITY FRENCH LOUIS XV. GEORGIAN 18TH CENTURY VERNIS MARTIN HAND PAINTED GOLD MOUNTED SNUFF BOX. This is a very fine quality Beautiful French Louis XV Georgian 18th century Vernis Martin Hand Painted Gold mounted Snuff Box, i would estimate this rare snuff box dates to circa 1740 making over 280 years old, the quality is stunning, to the centre on the top you will see the most beautiful fine quality hand painted Scene which is so very detailed, it depicts an interior working scene of a couple of men striking an Anvil, the detailing to there faces and what they are wearing is breath taking, the colours are so rich and deep, to the base again you will see a wonderful still life of an Anvil and the sides also have gently painted images, you may be wondering why an Anvil on such a special gold mounted Vernis Martin Snuff Box , the reason for this is what an Anvil symbolises.... Of the virtue, bravery and strength. Of the earth and of matter. It corresponds to the passive and feminine principle, as opposed to the hammer, which denotes fecundation.

The quality of the painting is stunning, this is finished with gold banding to the top, bottom and centre of the body,, its breath taking, on opening this rare box you will see the inside is crafted in faux TORTOISESHELL. This Rare fine quality French Louis XV 18th century hand painted Vernis Martin would have once belonged to a very wealthy 18th century Gentleman in circa 1740, the quality of the craftsmanship is superb, this snuff box is so very tactile and once held it has the most wonderful feel. This will add something very special to any collection, my photos dont do it justice. The gold has been tested and is 18ct gold, this is a very special Georgian snuff box and will add something very special to any collection.

Martin Family, French lacquerware artists of the period of Louis XV. The four brothers Guillaume d. 1770 are remembered for perfecting the composition and application of vernis Martin, a lacquer substitute named after them, patented by Guillaume and Robert in 1730. In 1748 their factory became part of the Royal Factory of Furnishings to the Crown. Among their commissions were coaches and rooms at Versailles. Vernis Martin, lustrous lacquer substitute widely used in the 18th century to decorate furniture and such personal articles as 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 imported into France during the Louis XV period. Vernis Martin was made in several colours, green and a golden red being the most characteristic. The item "RARE GEORGIAN 18TH CENTURY FRENCH LOUIS XV VERNIS MARTIN GOLD MOUNTED SNUFF BOX" is in sale since Saturday, July 11, 2020.

This item is in the category "Antiques\Silver\Solid Silver\Boxes". The seller is "silver_treasures" and is located in ledbury. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Product: Boxes
• Style: Georgian
• Age: Pre-1800
• Pattern: 18th century