SUPERB FRENCH Louis XV VERNIS MARTIN 18CT GOLD MOUNTED faux TORTOISE SNUFF BOX

  
SUPERB FRENCH Louis XV VERNIS MARTIN 18CT GOLD MOUNTED faux TORTOISE SNUFF BOX. This is a stunning rare French Louis XV 18th Century Vernis Martin Hand Painted Snuff Box which dates to circa 1750 making it over 260 years old, it has an 18ct gold 3 Banded Section with the Lid having a roped chased design around the edge, when closed the Snuff Box creates a wonderful look set against this fine quality 18th century hand painted Vernis Martin rural scene of a Lady and Gentleman embraced which is so detailed, with their Elegant outfits, and the sides also has a Scene, the Base appears to be a Picture of Clothes on a Cloud, the inside of the Box has a Beautiful Faux Tortoiseshell finish and the lid closes firmly with a nice Vacuum suction to it, this would have once belonged to a very wealthy 18th century Gentleman in circa 1750, 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.

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 brisé 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. Nearly 6.5cms in diameter...

And the condition for its age is stunning with some surface wear on the Picture and cracking expected as shown. The item "SUPERB FRENCH Louis XV VERNIS MARTIN 18CT GOLD MOUNTED faux TORTOISE SNUFF BOX" is in sale since Thursday, May 21, 2020.

This item is in the category "Antiques\Silver\Solid Silver\Other Solid Silver". The seller is "fine_antique_silver2012" and is located in Crawley. This item can be shipped worldwide.