Description
This French Limoges enamel jewellery box dates to the Napoleon III period, circa 1870. Of rectangular casket form, the box is richly mounted in ormolu (gilt bronze) and raised on four finely cast phoenix feet. A loop handle surmounts the hinged lid, framed by scrolling acanthus and floral mounts which continue around the body.
Each side is inset with individually painted Limoges enamel plaques depicting classical figures, cherubs, mythological creatures and fruit garlands. The front is centred by a portrait of Julius Caesar, shown wearing a laurel wreath, while the opposing panel depicts Daphne, surrounded by similarly detailed classical ornament. The remaining enamel panels continue the decorative programme with finely painted figural and mythological scenes, each enclosed within pierced ormolu mounts.
The hinged lid opens to reveal a fitted purple velvet-lined interior for jewellery or personal accessories. The richly gilded mounts continue beneath the lid, complementing the enamel panels and providing an elegant contrast against the velvet interior.
The box retains its original ormolu mounts throughout, with the finely painted Limoges enamels displaying excellent colour and detail. A decorative and well-preserved example of French design from the Napoleon III period.
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MEASUREMENTS
12.5cm High x 14.5cm Wide x 12cm Deep (4.9 x 5.7 x 4.7 Inches)
CONDITION
Very Good Antique Condition
Who are Limoges?
Limoges enamel has been produced in south-western France since the 12th century, first using the champlevé technique for religious objects and later evolving into painted enamel during the Renaissance. Workshops in Limoges became known for their intricate narrative scenes, gilded decoration and strong colouring, with pieces now held in major museum collections such as the Louvre, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Collectors value Limoges enamel for its link to medieval devotional art and Renaissance court taste, with signed family workshops and early examples especially sought after.
For further information on Limoges please see our article The History and Techniques of Limoges Enamel.
Who was Daphne?
Daphne is a nymph or huntress of Artemis. Her parentage varies, depending on the source, but it’s generally understood that her father is a river god Peneus (Ladon) and her mother was either the nymph Creusa (Gaia).
What is BRONZE?
Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike. In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the timeless appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today.
For further information please see our article Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques.
What is the BELLE ÉPOQUE PERIOD (1871-1914)?
The Belle Époque, meaning “Beautiful Era,” was a golden age of French and European culture, spanning from 1871 to 1914. This period was defined by optimism, innovation, and artistic achievement, particularly in Paris, the centre of fashion, decorative arts, and design. Art Nouveau flourished, alongside exquisite creations in silver, bronze, glass, and jewellery, produced by celebrated makers for an international audience. Collectors prize Belle Époque pieces for their elegance, refined detail, and the way they reflect the cultural sophistication of late 19th and early 20th-century France.
For further information please see our article The Belle Époque Era in France: Art, Antiques and a Golden Age of Creativity.
What is Napoleon III?
(Second Empire style), was a highly eclectic style of architecture and decorative arts which used elements of many different historical styles and also made innovative use of modern materials. It flourished during the reign of Napoleon III (1852-1871) in France and had an important influence across Europe and North America. Major examples of the style include the Opéra Garnier, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Church of Saint Augustine, and the Philadelphia City Hall.
what is ENAMEL?
vitreous enamel also known as porcelain enamel, is a material made by fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 °C. The powder melts, flows, and then hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating. The word vitreous comes from the Latin vitreous, meaning “glassy”.
What is Ormolu?
Ormolu is the technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold coating. The French refer to this technique as bronze doré and in English it is often referred to as gilt bronze. It is a finishing technique which adds an overall gold look to any object without the massive cost and impracticality of making an object out of solid gold. Mercury was outlawed in the 1830’s in France however it was still used until the early 1900s.
WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE?
At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide.
Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com.
With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee.
We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production.
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