{"product_id":"19th-c-french-ebonized-writing-box-with-brass-cartouche-b","title":"19th C. French Ebonized Writing Box With Brass Cartouche - B","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined example of 19th-century French craftsmanship, this ebonized writing box showcases the period's dedication to both function and aesthetic elegance. Ebonizing—the practice of staining wood black to mimic expensive ebony—was a hallmark technique of Victorian and Second Empire furniture makers, allowing artisans to create luxurious pieces at more accessible price points.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe box features a brass cartouche, a decorative escutcheon typical of mid-to-late 1800s French design, which would have once held a keyhole or served as an ornamental plate. This brass hardware reflects the influence of neoclassical revival aesthetics that dominated French furniture during this era, particularly under the reign of Napoleon III (1848-1870). The cartouche's presence suggests this box held correspondence or writing implements—essential items for the educated classes of the period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe ebonized finish, achieved through meticulous hand-staining and polishing, demonstrates the skill required in 19th-century workshops. Such pieces were prized possessions, often passed through families as heirlooms. This particular example retains its original patina and hardware, making it a genuine artifact of French decorative arts history.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements: 6.5\" L x 4.5\" W 2\" H\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Notes: 2 Compartment Removable Divider | Working Key\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soul Fed Home","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51796228440385,"sku":"26001664","price":315.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/9549\/3185\/files\/PhotoPerPageLayout-17.png?v=1788457526","url":"https:\/\/soulfedhome.com\/products\/19th-c-french-ebonized-writing-box-with-brass-cartouche-b","provider":"Soul Fed Home","version":"1.0","type":"link"}