BEAUTIFUL CASE. CHINA, Canton, second half of... Lot 350

BEAUTIFUL CASE. CHINA, Canton, second half of the 19th century. Rectangular fan case in black and red lacquered wood with gold highlights. The hinged lid features in the center the monogram of Empress Eugenie (E) under an imperial crown, framed by two scenes of several figures painted in two-tone gold, bordered by a frieze of red and gold flowers. The upper part is richly decorated with pink silk embroidery, featuring figures in traditional dress with finely painted faces, alternated with animals embroidered in polychrome silk thread. The lower part is in the shape of a case containing a fan. The whole rests on four feet decorated with small gilded frogs. Good condition. H. 12 cm - W. 40.5 cm - D. 15.5 cm. History: It is rare to find fan cases as fine and refined as this one. The presence of the imperial monogram and the exceptional quality of this piece confirm that it was an official gift to the sovereign during her reign from 1853 to 1870. It was probably given with the intention of finding a place in the Chinese cabinet that Empress Eugénie installed in her home at the Château de Fontainebleau.