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#6959
Palais Royal Piano Workbox - Exceptionally rare, this stunning figural workbox is made in the shape of a
piano. The top of the piano has inlaid ivory "keys" and a beautiful grain in the wood. The side of the piano
has a lovely piece of gilt trim in the shape of two cornucopias filled with fruits and flowers. The piano
measures 11 1/2" long by 7 3/4" wide by 6 1/2" high. The inside lid has an absolutely amazing picture of
what looks to be a grand ballroom. The lid probably originally had a mirror which was replaced with the picture. But the picture is quite old - possibly 19th century.
The tools inside the fitted tray include: a mother of pearl quiver of arrows shaped needlecase, scissors,
thimble, 2 stilettos, 2 reels, a toothpick, 3 snowflake silk winders and 1 fish shaped silk winder as well as a
heart shaped pincushion and an attached floral stitched pincushion. The original music movement is still in the bottom of the box although it does not seem to work.
I believe that one of the two stilettos and the floral stitched pincushion are replacements. There are two
hairline cracks in the scent bottle and the toothpick has one small piece broken off of one end. The
needlecase has a small chip on the inside and the blades of the scissors are a bit tarnished and they do not
quite meet. The left side of the tray with the floral pincushion looks to be somewhat clumsily restored at some
point. I belive that all of these changes were probably made to the box in the late 19th century or early 20th
century. In spite of a few condition problems this is still a rare and quite lovely palais royal workbox.
$3450.00
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