Victorian Stationery Box by Jennens & Bettridge, C1860

A fine Victorian black lacquered papier-mâché stationery box by the renowned makers Jennens & Bettridge, circa 1860, richly decorated with gilt foliate designs and iridescent mother-of-pearl inlay. The rectangular hinged lid features an elaborate central floral motif surrounded by scrolling gilt decoration and a geometric mother-of-pearl border. The front and sides are similarly embellished with intricate gilt scrollwork, the front incorporating a horizontal band of mother-of-pearl beneath the central key escutcheon. The hinged lid opens to reveal a fitted interior with divided compartments for correspondence, envelopes and other writing materials, retaining its decorative patterned paper lining. Jennens & Bettridge were among the leading manufacturers of decorative papier-mâché wares in Victorian England, renowned for their elaborate lacquered finishes and finely executed mother-of-pearl decoration. The box displays some age-related wear and losses to the decorative finish, consistent with its age. English, circa 1860