Spa wood and mother-of-pearl box Louis XIV period

A richly decorated and elaborate box with engraved brass and mother-of-pearl inlay, dating from the Louis XIV period.

In the center of the lid, a mother-of-pearl shield occupies a central position, decorated in the middle with a landscape depicting a house.

Around this shield, a frieze unfolds in six scenes illustrating a hunt. Dogs-probably those of the owner of the house, although he is not visible-are seen chasing rabbits, a fox, and deer.

A crown of dyed mother-of-pearl flowers delicately frames the central shield. Red tulips and peonies, green mother-of-pearl sunflowers, daffodils, and acanthus leaves add a touch of finesse to this composition.

All around this dazzling crown, graceful birds peck at the grapes, while butterflies and bees gather tulips and sunflowers.

Mother-of-pearl medallions adorned with floral friezes are set in the four corners. Between each pair of medallions, in perfect symmetry, blooms a delicate bouquet of flowers.

The artist has enhanced this exceptional composition by framing it with a frieze adorned with buds and interlaced lines.

Finally, the sides are delicately decorated with vases from which magnificent friezes bloom, embellished with red tulips and peonies. On each side, the engraver reproduces a frieze adorned with small floral buds and interlaced motifs found on the top of the chest.

In the mid-17th century, the town of Spa in Belgium's Ardennes region, renowned for its ferruginous waters - known since antiquity - became a must-see location.

The first curists, known as "bobelins", flocked to the twenty or so springs in and around the town, with their healing properties.

The first objects made from wood (dating from around 1640) are bordons - bâtoen or cane in the local dialect - which help gentlemen and ladies to recover. They are engraved and decorated with mother-of-pearl.

This led to the development of an increasingly technical and breathtaking range of objects and toiletries, followed by boxes and caskets.

These objects are called "Bois de Spa" or "Jolités de Spa".

The motifs of inlaid objects were inspired by the work of Charles le Brun and Jean Bérain, and often included elements of coats of arms or horns of plenty with ornamental garlands borne by putti and other floral motifs.