Two Coffers on Stands

André-Charles Boulle

about 1684–1689

Oak, cypress, and walnut veneered with tortoise shell, blue-painted horn, ebony, padouk, rosewood, pewter, and brass; gilt-bronze mounts; mirror glass, Tortoise shell, Horn, Brass

J. Paul Getty Museum

Two ornate, dark wood coffers with elaborate gold and inlaid detailing stand side-by-side against a neutral background. Each coffer features a domed lid, decorative handles, and intricate patterns on its surfaces. Intended to hold jewels or small precious items, the interiors of this pair of coffers are lined with tortoiseshell and brass or pewter, with secret compartments in the base. The coffers are each decorated using techniques known as première partie marquetry, a pattern of brass and pewter on a tortoiseshell ground, and its reverse, contrepartie, a tortoiseshell pattern on a background of pewter and brass . When lowered on their hinges, the wide gilt bronze straps on the coffer fronts and sides reveal three small drawers for rings. Each coffer also has a lid that opens in two sections. The upper lid reveals a shallow compartment, whil