Travel case attributed to C. Topino, Paris circa 1775

A rare travel chest crafted from precious woods, including rosewood, natural sycamore, green-stained sycamore, boxwood, satinwood, and mahogany.
Rectangular in shape, it opens with a drop-front lid and features an ingenious secret drawer concealed behind a removable side rail.
It is adorned on all sides with a rich marquetry decoration of kitchen utensils, bottles, cups, coffee pots, and vases of flowers placed on ledges.
The decorations stand out against a background of figured sycamore and are framed by Greek key borders.
The interior compartment is veneered with satinwood, while the drawer interiors are made of solid mahogany.
The two side carrying handles and the hinged support are made of mercury-gilt bronze.
In very fine condition. Original lock.

A Parisian piece from the transition between the Louis XV and Louis XVI periods, circa 1775, attributed to the cabinetmaker Charles Topino.

Dimensions:

Width: 27.5 cm; Height: 15 cm; Depth: 19.5 cm

Our opinion:

With its delicate marquetry, the richness of the woods used, and the techniques employed (stained and engraved woods, etc.), this box appears as a true luxury item intended for a particularly refined clientele. The use of solid mahogany, even for the base of the secret drawer, which is nonetheless concealed, testifies to an exceptional level of craftsmanship and a rarely encountered standard of quality. This piece is attributable to the renowned cabinetmaker Charles Topino, whose workshops produced numerous commodes, secretaries, and bonheur-du-jour desks adorned with this type of marquetry depicting everyday objects and utensils with great finesse. Travel cases made in this spirit remain extremely rare in his production.