Ebonized wood casket with polychrome porcelain plaques, A.Koch 1866

Ebonized wood casket with polychrome porcelain plaques, France, 19th century; a plaque bearing the inscription "Aug. KOCH 1866" is affixed to the inner side of the lid.

Rectangular in shape with contoured lines, the casket features a hinged lid decorated with white porcelain plaques—adorned with vibrant, multi-colored painted designs—set within gilt-bronze frames. The central scene depicts figures in 18th-century attire within a landscape reminiscent of the style of Jean-Antoine Watteau, surrounded by floral compositions. The front, also contoured, is embellished with porcelain shields featuring gallant scenes and is divided into two doors—flanked by semi-circular pilasters—that conceal a drawer. It is fitted with gilt-bronze side handles and rests on bracket feet. Dimensions (HxWxD): 25 x 40 x 28 cm.