Description: This antique French Vernis Martin sewing needle case or billet doux is a rare find from c1770. Crafted from enameled porcelain with a brass or copper interior with magnificent hand painted courtesans, this case is a testament to the artistry of the time period. The intricate details on the case, including the gilded brass closure ring, make it a must-have for collectors. Add this piece of history to your collection today! Circa: 1770s-1780's Length: 4.25" Thanks for looking! This was part of my mother's large collection. Yes I will combine shipping on multiple items. Please message me. BILLET DOUX A 1700s "billet doux", or directly translated, "sweet note". The case is that into which love notes, invitations to clandestine trysts and such words of love would be sent by courier to one's beloved. Marriage being what it was among elites and titled persons in Marie-Antoinette's era and earlier, one did not always consort with only one's spouse. A love note would be written, rolled and slid into the tube, closed and perhaps even sealed with a small sealing wax/cachet to avoid prying eyes of even one's trusted courier. These survive today mostly in museum collections. The most wonderful are the hand painted ones, in the manner of the Brothers Martin - layered paint varnish, sometimes foil or gold and silver. The layered varnish and oil paint manner in which it is worked is a favorite of Marie-Antoinette, and is referred to simply as "vernis martin" now.
Price: 820 USD
Location: Fort Myers, Florida
End Time: 2024-12-22T20:20:58.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Type: Needle Case, Billet Doux
Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
Needle Type: Hand Sewing Needles
Time Period Manufactured: Pre-1930
Case Material: Enamel, porcelain, copper/brass
Maker: French
