Bidspirit auction | Napoleon III Ebonized Wood and

Napoleon III Ebonized Wood and Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Cave à Liqueur - 13 x 10 x 10 A mid-19th century French Napoleon III period cave à liqueur, crafted from ebonized wood with extensive gilt-painted rocaille scrollwork and floral motifs. The hinged, rectangular casket features a gently curved front and a recessed base, adorned with mother-of-pearl inlay particularly prominent on the front panel and top lid. Gilt brass or bronze bands trim the edges, and the piece rests on four bun feet of the same material, with a decorative gilt escutcheon on the front. When opened, the box reveals a polished dark wood interior, possibly mahogany or rosewood, with hinged side panels and a central section fitted with an assortment of ornate gilt metal mounts and compartments, designed to hold decanters and glasses.