Dimensions (cm): 21.5 x 11.5 x 7

Year: 1900

An Edwardian Boulle Card Box of rectangular form, allover inlaid in Premier Partie Boulle work with scrolling foliage, the hinged lid centred by the initials BW, the interior with divisions for two packs of cards, inscribed 'J C Vickery, 179, 181, 183 Regent St W'.

Boulle is a technique whereby sheets of tortoiseshell (or turtleshell) and brass are cut through with a fret-saw to produce two designs, one in tortoiseshell, the other in brass. These sheets are then inlaid into a ground of the contrasting material. When brass is inlaid into a ground of tortoiseshell this is known as Premier Partie work, and, conversely, when tortoiseshell is inlaid into brass, we refer to this as Contre Partie, thus allowing pairs of objects to be made in matching designs, yet contrasting colours. Although the technique was not invented, or indeed used exclusively by him, it is now associated with the name of André-Charles Boulle (1642 - 1732), ébéniste to King Louis XIV, who used it extensively in his work. Following its initial popularity in early 18th century France, the technique was revived from about 1820 and was widely used thereafter in both England and France. In the first half of the 20th century, Boulle work of this type was retailed by Asprey and J.C. Vickery, so it is likely that this box is of English rather than French manufacture, revived from about 1820 and was wildely used thereafter.

JC Vickery were a well-known retail business established c.1890 by John Collard Vickery in partnership with Arthur Thomas Hobbs at 183, Regent Street. Vickery continued the business on his own from 1891 onwards until his death in 1930\\. In 1913 he was listed as a goldsmith, silversmith, jeweller, dressing case and fitted travelling bag manufacturer, as well as a watch and clock importer, and high class leather goods manufacturer. He held Royal Warrants from HM King George V and other European Royalty

A craze for Bridge swept Edwardian England and women in particular. Ladies were known to play hands in-between eating, before going to bed, and would neglect dancing in favour of sitting down for a game in the drawing room. The founding of ladies' bridge clubs in the mould of gentleman's clubs fostered this obsession, for now women would give the same excuse as their husbands as to why they were late to supper.

Bar Code: 10240