Coffret contenant quatre boîtes à de jeu de quadrille jetons en ivoire teinté et nacre sculptée, travail du XVIIIe siècle, signée Mariaval le Jeune

à décor de paysages et de personnages de la comedia dell'arte ; avec un jeu de vingt cartes ; (manque un médaillon en nacre ; incomplet)

Vente hôtel Drouot, Paris, le 11 juillet 1979, lot 70

The illustration is accurate. Good overall condition despite the inevitable minor scratches and marks throughout due to age and use. Three game cards are missing. An engraved mother of pearl medallion is missing on the lid of the yellow box as visible on the illustration. There is a minor hairline shrinkage crack on each lid. Red game 16 rectangular pieces and 5 square pieces Brown 15 rectangular pieces and 4 square pieces Yellow 16 rectangular pieces and 4 square pieces Green 14 rectangular pieces and 4 square pieces The casket is probably later. The lid is a little deformed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

L'artisan tabletier Mariaval semble s'être spécialisé dans la fabrication de jeux puisque sa signature apparait sur de nombreuses boîtes à jeu de quadrille. L'inspiration servant au décor découle de gravures, de personnages de la Comedia dell Arte. Le travail de l'ivoire et de la nacre gravés est très précis et parfaitement maîtrisé. Le Rijksmuseum d'Amsterdam conserve dans ses collections des boîtes signées Mariaval le Jeune a Rouen. Fecit ce qui laisse supposer qu'il possédait, en plus de son atelier parisien, un atelier à Rouen.