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Exceptional gold mounted lacquer Billet-doux. French and English, Circa 178
Exceptional gold mounted lacquer Billet-doux. French and English, Circa 178 - Objects of Vertu Style Exceptional gold mounted lacquer Billet-doux. French and English, Circa 178 - Exceptional gold mounted lacquer Billet-doux. French and English, Circa 178 - Antiquités - Exceptional gold mounted lacquer Billet-doux. French and English, Circa 178
Ref : 91834
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Period :
18th century
Objects of Vertu  - Exceptional gold mounted lacquer Billet-doux. French and English, Circa 178 18th century - Exceptional gold mounted lacquer Billet-doux. French and English, Circa 178  - Exceptional gold mounted lacquer Billet-doux. French and English, Circa 178 Antiquités - Exceptional gold mounted lacquer Billet-doux. French and English, Circa 178
Matthew Holder

European Works of Art & Sculpture


+44 (0) 7906300197
Exceptional gold mounted lacquer Billet-doux. French and English, Circa 178

An exceptional gold mounted red and gold lacquer Billet-doux.

The lacquer depicts a crane beside a stream, amongst a rocky landscape of pagodas and willow trees.

French and English, Circa 1780.

Measures 15cm in length.

The lacquer would have been made in France, inspired by the Japanese, but with a ground colour only seen in European lacquer work. The case would have been imported into England, where it received gold, bright cut mounts.

Billet-doux, or Billy do, in English vernacular. Its a decorative tube for lovers to pass secret notes to each other.
This was something of a ritual at such a stiffling court as Versailles, where it is said to have flourished.

See Snowman's book: C18th century gold boxes. Pub: Antique Collectors club, for other red lacquer in this style.

Delevery information :

Worldwide shipping is included in all prices.

Matthew Holder

CATALOGUE

Objects of Vertu