Rosewood box with cube marquetry – 18th century. 18th century period box.

An 18th-century box, made around 1770, veneered in rosewood and palisander, featuring a geometric marquetry of cubes in perspective on its lid.

Nearly cubic in shape, this box displays rosewood veneer on all four sides, meticulously cut and arranged in a herringbone pattern, forming symmetrical compositions that highlight the wood's natural patterns and nuances. The various panels are framed with straight-grained wood, while the rounded corners are adorned with palisander strips. These strips protect the edges while emphasizing the box's lines with their dark hue, contrasting with the pinkish tones of the rosewood.

The lid is entirely decorated with a geometric marquetry known as "bottomless cubes," composed of three types of wood: rosewood, violet wood, and tobacco-stained maple. The alternating tones and the orientation of the grain create a perspective effect, giving the illusion of cubes in relief. This composition is framed by a border of straight-grained wood and a dark molding. "Tobacco wood," a traditional term referring to stained maple or sycamore, was used by 18th-century cabinetmakers to achieve contrasting shades in their marquetry compositions. Its distinctive color, which has evolved with the wood's aging, allows the different faces of the cubes to be distinguished and accentuates the effect of depth. The marquetry of cubes in perspective finds its origins in the geometric explorations and trompe-l'œil representations developed particularly by Italian Renaissance marquetry artists. It experienced significant growth in French cabinetmaking in the mid-18th century, especially from the 1760s onward, with the work of Jean-François Oeben and several Parisian cabinetmakers. This decorative repertoire spread widely during the second half of the century, both in Parisian workshops and in regional production in eastern France and the Rhineland. It is found particularly on the fronts and tops of chests of drawers, secretaries, tables, and various small pieces of cabinetmaking.
The front retains its Louis XV-style gilt-bronze keyhole escutcheon, while the lid is fitted with a small, also gilt, knob. It opens using two brass hinges and a hinged stay, all original.
Based on its proportions and design, this box was likely originally intended as a perfume case. Highly prized in the 18th century, these cases generally contained several glass or crystal bottles, sometimes accompanied by small funnels, saucers, and containers for storing, transferring, or preparing different perfumed compositions. The bottles were placed in specially designed compartments, often lined with silk or velvet to hold and protect them. Some cases also included a mirror fixed to the inside of the lid. Our case has lost its original fittings and accessories. Its interior is now fully lined with a burgundy and beige striped fabric, added after its manufacture.

This box is an example of cabinetmaking from the second half of the 18th century, combining the choice of wood species, the arrangement of veneers, and the perspective effects of geometric marquetry.

It shows some old veneer restorations and is in very good condition. It has been restored and finished with a French polish, highlighting the different shades of the wood and the marquetry decoration.

Dimensions:

Height: 16.5 cm
Width: 23.5 cm
Depth: 21 cm

Ref: 7CYH98NQCN