French Perfume Box in Tulipwood with Sevres Porcelain Plaque

Description Antique French perfume box in tulipwood surmounted by a Sevres style porcelain plaque, dating to the mid nineteenth century during the Napoleon III period, circa 1850. The perfume box is formed in an elegant curved outline raised upon a shaped plinth base and veneered throughout in finely figured tulipwood. The exterior displays carefully arranged book matched quarter veneers, with inverted panels to each side creating strong visual balance across the surface. Ebony edging frames the form while applied brass rope work mounts provide contrast against the warm tones of the timber. The lid is centred with an oval brass cartouche enclosing a Sevres style porcelain plaque, delicately painted with floral decoration in the traditional manner associated with nineteenth century French porcelain. Opening the box reveals a fitted interior lined in pink velvet with divided compartments designed for perfume accessories. The interior retains two glass perfume bottles fitted with solid silver lids. The arrangement reflects the refined dressing table accessories produced during the Napoleon III period. A decorative French perfume box combining fine veneering, porcelain mounting, and fitted interior design characteristic of mid nineteenth century cabinetmaking. View the full Boxes Collection. Tulipwood Tulipwood also known as Brazilian Tulipwood or Brazilian Pinkwood, is a rare decorative hardwood from northeastern Brazil. It is recognised for its vivid streaks of yellow, pink, orange and red, producing a highly distinctive and polished finish. Due to the small size of the tree, tulipwood was traditionally used as veneer or for fine inlay, particularly in eighteenth and nineteenth century cabinetmaking where visual impact was paramount. For further information see our woods encyclopaedia on tulipwood. Ebony Ebony is a highly dense hardwood recognised for its deep black colour, sometimes showing subtle brown or purplish tones. Sourced from species within the Diospyros family, true ebony has long been valued as one of the most luxurious cabinet woods due to its rarity and slow growth. Its fine, even texture allows it to be polished to a smooth, almost mirror like finish, making it especially suited to high quality decorative objects and fine inlay work. Used in Europe from the sixteenth century by specialist cabinetmakers known as ébénistes, ebony became closely associated with small luxury items including boxes, instrument cases, and precision fittings. Because only a limited proportion of trees produce usable dark heartwood, genuine antique ebony remains particularly desirable today. For further information see our woods encyclopaedia on Ebony. Book matched quarter veneer is created by slicing consecutive veneer sheets from the same log, often quarter sawn, and opening them like the pages of a book to form a mirrored, symmetrical grain pattern. This technique produces a balanced and visually striking surface, emphasising straight grain, depth and continuity, and is commonly found on high quality antique furniture and boxes where careful material selection was paramount. Napoleon III  Napoleon III was Emperor of the French from 1852 until 1870. Born Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte in 1808, he was the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and the first President of the French Republic before declaring himself emperor following a coup d’état in 1851. His reign, known as the Second French Empire, was marked by significant industrial, economic and urban development. Paris was extensively rebuilt under Baron Haussmann, creating the broad boulevards, parks and infrastructure that define the city today. The period also saw major expansion in railways, banking, manufacturing and international trade, positioning France as a leading European power. In decorative arts and furniture, the Napoleon III period is associated with rich materials, elaborate ornamentation and historical revival styles, drawing inspiration from Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, as well as Renaissance and classical sources. Exotic woods, boulle work, porcelain plaques, gilt bronze mounts and luxurious interiors were widely used. Napoleon III’s reign ended in 1870 after France’s defeat in the Franco Prussian War. He was captured at the Battle of Sedan and subsequently deposed, marking the collapse of the Second Empire and the establishment of the Third French Republic. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. 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