This mother-of-pearl case is a fine example of French Palais Royal work. It comprises wafer thin, semi-translucent sheets of mother-of-pearl, inlaid to one side with a chased silver and silver-gilt design; its spring-loaded opening mechanism automatically raise the lid when the catch is pressed.
Palais Royal is the name given to a variety of items that were sold in the arcade of the Palais Royal in the period from the late 18th to the middle of the 19th century. In 1780 Louis Phillipe II took control of the Palais Royal and in 1784 part of the palace was converted into a huge shopping and entertainment arcade. Only retailers with the highest quality items were permitted to sell their goods there and the palace soon became one of the most desirable places to see and be seen at in Paris. The Palais Royal shops were known particularl for their exquisite mother-of-pearl work and sewing boxes.
Palais Royal is the name given to a variety of items that were sold in the arcade of the Palais Royal in the period from the late 18th to the middle of the 19th century. In 1780 Louis Phillipe II took control of the Palais Royal and in 1784 part of the palace was converted into a huge shopping and entertainment arcade. Only retailers with the highest quality items were permitted to sell their goods there and the palace soon became one of the most desirable places to see and be seen at in Paris. The Palais Royal shops were known particularl for their exquisite mother-
