Box

The rectangular piqué box has canted corners and a slightly domed lid with a flat top, all made of tortoiseshell inlaid with engraved gold and mother-of-pearl. The exterior includes chinoiserie figures, monkeys and masks on trelliswork and pointillé grounds; the front and back each have three large figures, the center one standing under a parasol; each side has a single figure riding in a sedan chair supported by equestrians; each corner has a single figure standing under a canopy; and the lid is centered by two large figures holding vessels on either side of a table. The lid is decorated on the inside with the arms of King Louis XV of France and is secured to the base by two metal hinges. This opulent box was likely intended as a diplomatic gift.