Ответ на загадку."Billet Doux"-футляр для любовных писем.
"Billet Doux" или "love letter"-футляр для любовных писем.
Название этого старинного небольшого футляра: "Billet Doux" буквально означает "sweet note",или "love letter"("сладкая записка", или "Любовное письмо").
При помощи этого предмета осуществлялась секретная переписка между влюбленными, назначались тайные свидания.
Первым ответил правильно verete17 :Футляр для писем.
Потом догадались sulfid , iswen
many_years_ago,polli_chudes,nartali ,alabum ,
tahbko -для свитков, saglaten -футляр для бумаг.
Но то, что это специальный футляр для любовной переписки- не ответил никто.
Самые частые ответы: футляр для градусника, пенал, игольница, хотя в посте написано, что это не швейные и не табачные дела.
Больше всего мне понравился ответ muklia :"Капсула времени? Служил для записок для потомков".
Интересных и остроумных ответов много, их можно посмотреть -ТУТ
=====================Billet Doux==================
18th C FRENCH Vernis Martin Billet Doux Scent Etui
Это капсулы, в который любовное письмо помещалось в свернутом трубочкой , или хорошо сложенный листом бумаги, а конфиденциальность и безопасность переписки соблюдалась при помощи восковых печатей.
У меня были картинки футляров, где письмо наматывалось на тонкую спицу в виде свитка, но сейчас не могу их найти в черновиках.
The name for this little box literally means "sweet note", or "love letter". This exquisite piece carried correspondence of the utmost secrecy between lovers.
Корпуса делались в разных стилях и материалах: из золота и серебра, слоновой кости, перламутра,дерева, украшались бриллиантами, жемчугом, эмалями, росписью.
Они были популярны в галантной эпохе рококо, особенно во времена Марии Антуанетты, в эпоху Наполеона, и немного за ее пределами.
Здесь стоит вспомнить такие памятные портреты-украшения "LOVERS EYE", которые также хранили тайну личности возлюбленного или возлюбленной- только сличив фрагмент с целым портретом, можно было узнать лицо.
--------------"Любовное письмо"-Картинки--------------
===================================================
A love letter by Sixteenth Century French Painting
VERMEER, Johannes
Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675)
The Love Letter
1667-68
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
------------------------------------
Jacob Ochtervelt (Dutch, Rotterdam 1634-1682 Amsterdam)
TitleThe Love Letter
Dateearly 1670s
The Messenger, c.1669
Pieter de Hooch
--------------------18 век-------------------
--------------------графика--------
=======================================
Здесь служанка подает госпоже футляр с "billets doux".
Print made by Louis Bosse
in a comfortable bedroom, two servants helping a noble woman to undress; on the floor near the fireplace, some crumpled billets doux. 1774/76
After John Hamilton Mortimer
1777
Color Engraving Le Billet Doux - c. 18th Century, France
Color engraving after N. Lavreince by N. De Launay.
------------------Живопись---------
FRANCOIS BOUCHER The Love Letter 1750
Jean-Honore Fragonard (Jean Honore Fragonard) (1732-1806)
The Love Letter
----------------------------------
David Emile Joseph de Noter (David Emile Joseph de Noter) (1818-1892)
Les Lettres D'Amour
Oil on panel
1843
---------------------------------
Goya, Francisco de
Young Majas (The Love Letter)
----------------L'Amant surpris-------
L'Amant surpris
After Jean Frédéric Schall
1798-1810
In a garden, a young woman coming from behind a young man sitting with some billets doux scattered at his feet, and covering his eyes
--------------------Футляры----------------
============================================
rare and remarkable English agate and etui exhibits a graceful Neoclassical style. Adorned with exceptional carving and 18K gold mounts, this charming box was once used to pass secret messages.
Circa 1760
--------------------------------------
This marvelous 18K gold etui is a stunning example of Swiss artistry. This charming box exhibits delicate engraving and enameling, including the word "Souvenir." Often carried by affluent members of society, etuis such as this were once used to carry secret messages.
-------------------------------
This exceptional French Louis XVI-period gold etui exhibits subtle Neoclassical beauty. Crafted of 18K gold, this delicate box is intricately chased and decorated with acanthus, laurel and rosette accents.
------------------1700-е годы--------
====================================
Antique 1700s French Billet Doux, Guilloche Style Message Etui, a late 1700s to earliest 1800s courier's etui, or 'billet doux' as they were called.
============================================
Antique 1700s Vernis Martin 18k Etui, French Billet Doux - "Love Notes" carrier
---------------------------
A Vernis Martin "Billet Doux" and Perfume Etui, French 1753
--------------------------------------
--------------------Louis XV-----------------
"Леда и Лебедь"
A Louis XV Carved Ivory Billet Doux Etui, c.1750
this beautifully carved etui, likely used for “billets doux”, or love letters.
Like the nature of its contents, its motif is seductive: Leda reposes by a stream as Zeus, in the guise of a swan, approaches her. The cap is adorned with attributes of fertility and the harvest (gardening tools, fruit, etc) and rocaille scrolls, typical of the era.
----------------------------------
Antique French 1700s Vernis Martin Billet Doux, Etui - Spectacular hand painted figures, needle case
-------------------------------------
Antique French Billet Doux, Etui, Vernis Martin c. 1700s - Holder of Love Notes, Messages - Swan!
------------------------------------
Antique Vernis Martin & 14k Gold Billet Doux or Bodkin Case, Etui c. 1750-56
----------------------------------------
Antique French Billet Doux, Marie-Antoinette Era Message Etui. It dates from around 1770-1780 (before the French Revolution), during the decadent period of Marie-Antoinette, a period of extreme indulgence within the noble class.
----------------------------------
Exquisite Circa 1780 Vernis Martin Tortoise Billet Doux . The Etui is Banded in Gilt Metal and has an Inner Form of Tortoise Shell.
---------------------------------
RARE Antique French Billet Doux Etui, Vernis Martin 18K Gold & Tortoise Shell
Here we have a fine late 1700s to earliest 1800s French billet doux
------------------19 век---------------
=======================================
=================================================
--------------------19 век---------
=================="Любовное письмо"===============
Palpitation, 1844
Charles West Cope
------------------------
Lover's Letter Box
George Baxter
The Love Letter
Jean Carolus
-------------------------
The Eavesdropper, 1868
Carl Heinrich Hoff
--------------------------
Carl Herpfer (1836-1897)
The Love Letter
Oil On Canvas
-------------------------
Auguste Toulmouche (1829-1890)
The Love Letter
Oil on canvas
1883
-------------------Футляры------------------
=============================================
Wonderful antique French Georgian to Early Victorian era hand carved Black Forest style billet doux, a message or love letter etui with acanthus motif and fabulous condition! Circa 1780-1850s
------------------------------
ANTIQUE FRENCH BILLET DOUX ETUI LOVE LETTER HOLDER DOG
-------------------------
ANTIQUE FRENCH BILLET DOUX ETUI LOVE LETTER HOLDER
-------------------------
-------------------------
RARE French Straw Work Marriage Valentine Box, 18th C
----------------Для сравнения--------------
--------Футляры-игольницы и футляры для шила ---------
===========================================
Они были иногда очень похожи- может быть, такими их делали специально, чтобы мужьям труднее было проверить и найти среди множества мелочей для рукоделия именно футляр для писем.
Antique French 1700s Vernis Martin Bodkin Case, Etui - Spectacular hand painted figures, needle case
English and dates to the late 18th or early 19th century.
Needlecase
-------------------Для шила---------------------
------------------antique Bodkin Case-------------
ANTIQUE BODKIN PRINCESS CHARLOTTE, 1817
his silver needle case has importation marks for Prague, period 1872/1902.
----------------Несессеры-------------------
------------------etui---------------------
=================================================
Gold, shagreen cased etui late 18th or early 19th century
---------------------------------
Meissen etui of ogee shape with gold mounts and fine 'deutschblumen' flowers
Germany, circa 1765
-----------------Шкатулки для писем-----------------
===============================================
До 16-го века, для богатых людей считалось недостойным управлять своей собственной перепиской, обычно нанимался нотариус, чтобы составить контракты, акты, завещания, он также писал деловые письма.
Но личная переписка, тем более- тайная, ему не доверялась.
В 17,18 и 19 веках, качество письменных принадлежностей было отражением культурного и социального статуса человека. Такие дорогие вещи использовали, в основном- люди высокого ранга, вместе с предметами из серебра и золота: печатями, чернильницами и колокольчиками, которыми вызывали слугу, чтобы отдать готовое письмо.
A Shapely French Napoleon III Bombe-Form Boulle-Work Letter Box
France
Circa 1880
A shapely French Napoleon III bombe-form boulle-work letter box with brass, pewter and ivory inlay; the gently domed rectangular top above a shaped body raised on spheroid fee
--------Настольные и дорожные коробки-несессеры-------
===================================================
----------------------------------------------
Marquetry Inlaid Mahogany Stationery / Writing Box c.1880
------------------------------------
English Regency Rosewood Writing Box - Decoupage - Moses From the River c.1820
--------------------------------------
Kashmiri Polychrome Writing Box, Late 19th Century
India
Late 19th Century
----------------------------------
Paper Mache Lap Desk Box
England
19th C
Highly decorative large papier mache box that opens to reveal a pull out writing surface and storage area.
-------------------------------------
Antique Writing Case
England
1860's
Intricate desk top or travelling writing case
-------------------------------------
Sterling/Leather Letterbox and Portfolio
European
mid 19th century
Sterling repousse in a beautifully intricate and flamboyant design. The hinged letterbox reveals interior compartments.
-------------------------------
-------------------Wooton-Desk---------------
=============================================
Antique lovers would definitely want a wooton desk to be a part of their precious collection.
Очень красивых вещей и картинок по этой теме много: драгоценные чернильные приборы, печати, настольные украшения кабинетов и письменных столов, книгодержатели, и тому подобное.
Если интересно- пишите, продолжу.
=============================================
Еще по теме:
---------------------------------
Eye Miniature pendant
Georgian
C. 1790
A rare American eye miniature c. 1815
Миниатюра на коробочке слоновой кости.
Eye miniature set in ivory patch box Georgian Circa 1790
Украшения "LOVERS EYE"-ТУТ
------------------------------------
Старинные письменные принадлежности. Часть 3-ТУТ
Старинные кабинеты, секретеры, бюро. 17-19 век-ТУТ
Старинные письменные принадлежности, столы, кабинеты, секретеры, бюро, все посты-ТУТ
=========================
Before the 16th century, it was considered undignified for the wealthy to manage their own correspondence, and thus a scrivener would be hired to draw up contracts, deeds, wills, and even produce illuminated manuscripts. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the quality of one's writing materials reflected one's cultural and social status. Items like lap desks were used mainly by men of high rank, while silver and gold inkstands often included a matching bell, which would be used to summon a servant to post the finished letter.
-------------------------------
The name for this little box literally means "sweet note", or "love letter". This exquisite piece carried correspondence of the utmost secrecy between lovers.
This is the elegant case into which a love letter or message/correspondence of importance between 2 people was hand carried between the two. Imagine the clandestine evenings that were arranged via this beautiful etui, a note from one lover to another, and the courier standing out in a heavy Paris mist, awaiting the scripted response to be written out and rolled, tucked into the messenger's tube. Where perhaps a well-folded paper sealed in red wax with an impressed monogram, or 'sceau' seal might have sufficed, isn't it ever so much more romantic to see the magnificent and formal encasement the French designed for such correspondences? These old capsules were made in a vast array of styles, colors, finishes, and nearly always lined with fine old natural shell as you see in this one. Sometimes they were entirely made of shell or pearl (we've had several of each). This one has a beautifully enameled-look outer covering and is surely one of the more vibrant we've found. Don't we just wish it could talk to us of the messages that it has carried over time. How many proposals; how many meetings; maybe a challenge of duel or two among them? We can only imagine, and can now enjoy these stunning old pieces as the works of art they are and the couriers of life's greatest emotions of the turbulent times of Marie Antoinette through the Napoleonic era, and slightly beyond.
Confidential notes would be tucked inside and the box then would have been sealed with wax for optimal security.
==========================
http://www.artrenewal.org/
http://www.artrenewal.org/pages/sitesearch.php
http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/v/vermeer/03d/31lovel.html
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/scripts/tsearch.pl?t=love+letter&type=2
http://www.bridgemaninteriors.com/
----------------------------------
http://www.1stdibs.com/
http://antiqueroyale.com/what-is-a-wooton-desk.html
http://search.rubylane.com/
http://www.google.ru/images?q=Antique+Billet+Doux,+Etui&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:ru:official&client=firefox&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=ru&tab=wi&biw=1592&bih=862
http://search.rubylane.com/search?ss=Billet+Doux&hsb=Find+an+Item
http://shopvirtu.com/Products.asp?ProductCategoryID=8
http://www.google.ru/images?um=1&hl=ru&newwindow=1&client=firefox&rls=org.mozilla%3Aru%3Aofficial&biw=1592&bih=862&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=Antique+Lover%27s+Letter+Box&btnG=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/rare-18th-c-french-vernis-martin-billet-doux-etui
http://shopvirtu.com/ProductPhoto.asp?ProductCategoryID=2&ProductsID=99
http://elegantarts.com/index.php?cPath=1
====================================
Название этого старинного небольшого футляра: "Billet Doux" буквально означает "sweet note",или "love letter"("сладкая записка", или "Любовное письмо").
При помощи этого предмета осуществлялась секретная переписка между влюбленными, назначались тайные свидания.
Первым ответил правильно verete17 :Футляр для писем.
Потом догадались sulfid , iswen
many_years_ago,polli_chudes,nartali ,alabum ,
tahbko -для свитков, saglaten -футляр для бумаг.
Но то, что это специальный футляр для любовной переписки- не ответил никто.
Самые частые ответы: футляр для градусника, пенал, игольница, хотя в посте написано, что это не швейные и не табачные дела.
Больше всего мне понравился ответ muklia :"Капсула времени? Служил для записок для потомков".
Интересных и остроумных ответов много, их можно посмотреть -ТУТ
=====================Billet Doux==================
18th C FRENCH Vernis Martin Billet Doux Scent Etui
Это капсулы, в который любовное письмо помещалось в свернутом трубочкой , или хорошо сложенный листом бумаги, а конфиденциальность и безопасность переписки соблюдалась при помощи восковых печатей.
У меня были картинки футляров, где письмо наматывалось на тонкую спицу в виде свитка, но сейчас не могу их найти в черновиках.
The name for this little box literally means "sweet note", or "love letter". This exquisite piece carried correspondence of the utmost secrecy between lovers.
Корпуса делались в разных стилях и материалах: из золота и серебра, слоновой кости, перламутра,дерева, украшались бриллиантами, жемчугом, эмалями, росписью.
Они были популярны в галантной эпохе рококо, особенно во времена Марии Антуанетты, в эпоху Наполеона, и немного за ее пределами.
Здесь стоит вспомнить такие памятные портреты-украшения "LOVERS EYE", которые также хранили тайну личности возлюбленного или возлюбленной- только сличив фрагмент с целым портретом, можно было узнать лицо.
--------------"Любовное письмо"-Картинки--------------
===================================================
A love letter by Sixteenth Century French Painting
VERMEER, Johannes
Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675)
The Love Letter
1667-68
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
------------------------------------
Jacob Ochtervelt (Dutch, Rotterdam 1634-1682 Amsterdam)
TitleThe Love Letter
Dateearly 1670s
The Messenger, c.1669
Pieter de Hooch
--------------------18 век-------------------
--------------------графика--------
=======================================
Здесь служанка подает госпоже футляр с "billets doux".
Print made by Louis Bosse
in a comfortable bedroom, two servants helping a noble woman to undress; on the floor near the fireplace, some crumpled billets doux. 1774/76
After John Hamilton Mortimer
1777
Color Engraving Le Billet Doux - c. 18th Century, France
Color engraving after N. Lavreince by N. De Launay.
------------------Живопись---------
FRANCOIS BOUCHER The Love Letter 1750
Jean-Honore Fragonard (Jean Honore Fragonard) (1732-1806)
The Love Letter
----------------------------------
David Emile Joseph de Noter (David Emile Joseph de Noter) (1818-1892)
Les Lettres D'Amour
Oil on panel
1843
---------------------------------
Goya, Francisco de
Young Majas (The Love Letter)
----------------L'Amant surpris-------
L'Amant surpris
After Jean Frédéric Schall
1798-1810
In a garden, a young woman coming from behind a young man sitting with some billets doux scattered at his feet, and covering his eyes
--------------------Футляры----------------
============================================
rare and remarkable English agate and etui exhibits a graceful Neoclassical style. Adorned with exceptional carving and 18K gold mounts, this charming box was once used to pass secret messages.
Circa 1760
--------------------------------------
This marvelous 18K gold etui is a stunning example of Swiss artistry. This charming box exhibits delicate engraving and enameling, including the word "Souvenir." Often carried by affluent members of society, etuis such as this were once used to carry secret messages.
-------------------------------
This exceptional French Louis XVI-period gold etui exhibits subtle Neoclassical beauty. Crafted of 18K gold, this delicate box is intricately chased and decorated with acanthus, laurel and rosette accents.
------------------1700-е годы--------
====================================
Antique 1700s French Billet Doux, Guilloche Style Message Etui, a late 1700s to earliest 1800s courier's etui, or 'billet doux' as they were called.
============================================
Antique 1700s Vernis Martin 18k Etui, French Billet Doux - "Love Notes" carrier
---------------------------
A Vernis Martin "Billet Doux" and Perfume Etui, French 1753
--------------------------------------
--------------------Louis XV-----------------
"Леда и Лебедь"
A Louis XV Carved Ivory Billet Doux Etui, c.1750
this beautifully carved etui, likely used for “billets doux”, or love letters.
Like the nature of its contents, its motif is seductive: Leda reposes by a stream as Zeus, in the guise of a swan, approaches her. The cap is adorned with attributes of fertility and the harvest (gardening tools, fruit, etc) and rocaille scrolls, typical of the era.
----------------------------------
Antique French 1700s Vernis Martin Billet Doux, Etui - Spectacular hand painted figures, needle case
-------------------------------------
Antique French Billet Doux, Etui, Vernis Martin c. 1700s - Holder of Love Notes, Messages - Swan!
------------------------------------
Antique Vernis Martin & 14k Gold Billet Doux or Bodkin Case, Etui c. 1750-56
----------------------------------------
Antique French Billet Doux, Marie-Antoinette Era Message Etui. It dates from around 1770-1780 (before the French Revolution), during the decadent period of Marie-Antoinette, a period of extreme indulgence within the noble class.
----------------------------------
Exquisite Circa 1780 Vernis Martin Tortoise Billet Doux . The Etui is Banded in Gilt Metal and has an Inner Form of Tortoise Shell.
---------------------------------
RARE Antique French Billet Doux Etui, Vernis Martin 18K Gold & Tortoise Shell
Here we have a fine late 1700s to earliest 1800s French billet doux
------------------19 век---------------
=======================================
=================================================
--------------------19 век---------
=================="Любовное письмо"===============
Palpitation, 1844
Charles West Cope
------------------------
Lover's Letter Box
George Baxter
The Love Letter
Jean Carolus
-------------------------
The Eavesdropper, 1868
Carl Heinrich Hoff
--------------------------
Carl Herpfer (1836-1897)
The Love Letter
Oil On Canvas
-------------------------
Auguste Toulmouche (1829-1890)
The Love Letter
Oil on canvas
1883
-------------------Футляры------------------
=============================================
Wonderful antique French Georgian to Early Victorian era hand carved Black Forest style billet doux, a message or love letter etui with acanthus motif and fabulous condition! Circa 1780-1850s
------------------------------
ANTIQUE FRENCH BILLET DOUX ETUI LOVE LETTER HOLDER DOG
-------------------------
ANTIQUE FRENCH BILLET DOUX ETUI LOVE LETTER HOLDER
-------------------------
-------------------------
RARE French Straw Work Marriage Valentine Box, 18th C
----------------Для сравнения--------------
--------Футляры-игольницы и футляры для шила ---------
===========================================
Они были иногда очень похожи- может быть, такими их делали специально, чтобы мужьям труднее было проверить и найти среди множества мелочей для рукоделия именно футляр для писем.
Antique French 1700s Vernis Martin Bodkin Case, Etui - Spectacular hand painted figures, needle case
English and dates to the late 18th or early 19th century.
Needlecase
-------------------Для шила---------------------
------------------antique Bodkin Case-------------
ANTIQUE BODKIN PRINCESS CHARLOTTE, 1817
his silver needle case has importation marks for Prague, period 1872/1902.
----------------Несессеры-------------------
------------------etui---------------------
=================================================
Gold, shagreen cased etui late 18th or early 19th century
---------------------------------
Meissen etui of ogee shape with gold mounts and fine 'deutschblumen' flowers
Germany, circa 1765
-----------------Шкатулки для писем-----------------
===============================================
До 16-го века, для богатых людей считалось недостойным управлять своей собственной перепиской, обычно нанимался нотариус, чтобы составить контракты, акты, завещания, он также писал деловые письма.
Но личная переписка, тем более- тайная, ему не доверялась.
В 17,18 и 19 веках, качество письменных принадлежностей было отражением культурного и социального статуса человека. Такие дорогие вещи использовали, в основном- люди высокого ранга, вместе с предметами из серебра и золота: печатями, чернильницами и колокольчиками, которыми вызывали слугу, чтобы отдать готовое письмо.
A Shapely French Napoleon III Bombe-Form Boulle-Work Letter Box
France
Circa 1880
A shapely French Napoleon III bombe-form boulle-work letter box with brass, pewter and ivory inlay; the gently domed rectangular top above a shaped body raised on spheroid fee
--------Настольные и дорожные коробки-несессеры-------
===================================================
----------------------------------------------
Marquetry Inlaid Mahogany Stationery / Writing Box c.1880
------------------------------------
English Regency Rosewood Writing Box - Decoupage - Moses From the River c.1820
--------------------------------------
Kashmiri Polychrome Writing Box, Late 19th Century
India
Late 19th Century
----------------------------------
Paper Mache Lap Desk Box
England
19th C
Highly decorative large papier mache box that opens to reveal a pull out writing surface and storage area.
-------------------------------------
Antique Writing Case
England
1860's
Intricate desk top or travelling writing case
-------------------------------------
Sterling/Leather Letterbox and Portfolio
European
mid 19th century
Sterling repousse in a beautifully intricate and flamboyant design. The hinged letterbox reveals interior compartments.
-------------------------------
-------------------Wooton-Desk---------------
=============================================
Antique lovers would definitely want a wooton desk to be a part of their precious collection.
Очень красивых вещей и картинок по этой теме много: драгоценные чернильные приборы, печати, настольные украшения кабинетов и письменных столов, книгодержатели, и тому подобное.
Если интересно- пишите, продолжу.
=============================================
Еще по теме:
---------------------------------
Eye Miniature pendant
Georgian
C. 1790
A rare American eye miniature c. 1815
Миниатюра на коробочке слоновой кости.
Eye miniature set in ivory patch box Georgian Circa 1790
Украшения "LOVERS EYE"-ТУТ
------------------------------------
Старинные письменные принадлежности. Часть 3-ТУТ
Старинные кабинеты, секретеры, бюро. 17-19 век-ТУТ
Старинные письменные принадлежности, столы, кабинеты, секретеры, бюро, все посты-ТУТ
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Before the 16th century, it was considered undignified for the wealthy to manage their own correspondence, and thus a scrivener would be hired to draw up contracts, deeds, wills, and even produce illuminated manuscripts. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the quality of one's writing materials reflected one's cultural and social status. Items like lap desks were used mainly by men of high rank, while silver and gold inkstands often included a matching bell, which would be used to summon a servant to post the finished letter.
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The name for this little box literally means "sweet note", or "love letter". This exquisite piece carried correspondence of the utmost secrecy between lovers.
This is the elegant case into which a love letter or message/correspondence of importance between 2 people was hand carried between the two. Imagine the clandestine evenings that were arranged via this beautiful etui, a note from one lover to another, and the courier standing out in a heavy Paris mist, awaiting the scripted response to be written out and rolled, tucked into the messenger's tube. Where perhaps a well-folded paper sealed in red wax with an impressed monogram, or 'sceau' seal might have sufficed, isn't it ever so much more romantic to see the magnificent and formal encasement the French designed for such correspondences? These old capsules were made in a vast array of styles, colors, finishes, and nearly always lined with fine old natural shell as you see in this one. Sometimes they were entirely made of shell or pearl (we've had several of each). This one has a beautifully enameled-look outer covering and is surely one of the more vibrant we've found. Don't we just wish it could talk to us of the messages that it has carried over time. How many proposals; how many meetings; maybe a challenge of duel or two among them? We can only imagine, and can now enjoy these stunning old pieces as the works of art they are and the couriers of life's greatest emotions of the turbulent times of Marie Antoinette through the Napoleonic era, and slightly beyond.
Confidential notes would be tucked inside and the box then would have been sealed with wax for optimal security.
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http://www.artrenewal.org/
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http://www.bridgemaninteriors.com/
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http://elegantarts.com/index.php?cPath=1
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