An exceptional gold and hardstone presentation box, Louis Siriès, Florence, circa 1745

Property from a European Royal Family

An exceptional gold and hardstone presentation box, Louis Siriès, Florence, circa 1745

oval, centred with a lapis lazuli plaque with subtle gold inclusions, in a polished and reeded frame decorated with four c-scrolls and intricate orthogonal bead bands, the outer lapis lazuli border overlaid with finely chased gold strapwork of floral elements and balustrades alternating with bands of chased fruit and foliage, on a sablé ground, the sides embellished with gold strapwork alternatingly chased with stylised quatrefoils in horizontal and vertical directions, shaped cartouches of trelliswork and elongated oval vignettes of almond-shaped ornaments, all against a band of lapis lazuli, centred with an applied balustrade to the front and back, the base centred with a slightly concave oval lapis lazuli plaque, the overall composition identical to that on the lid, but the gold strapwork chased with shells, conches, turritella snails, corals and other wonders of the sea, the slightly protruding gold thumbpiece mirroring the shape of the hinge, the lid opening to reveal a silk-backed gold inner lid chased with a central rooster standing on a pedestal resting on two Solomonic columns flanked by classical ruins and trees, a sunrise against a sablé background to the left, a plinth, shrubs and flowers next to two putti with measuring instruments in the foreground, in a reeded frame, the interior of the lid later mounted with a mirror, the base lined in crimson velvet, maker’s mark, the rim signed: A Florence Lovis Siries Fe, typical circles above traces of engraved date 174(?); in the original velvet-lined shagreen presentation case

7.9cm., 3⅛in. wide

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