Quadrille box
Applied Arts
Inventory number
2026.4.27.7ab.AA.BX.C1820.AT
Description
Decorative box for a quadrille game, richly ornamented with metal mounts and an embroidered lid. The box has a slightly trapezoidal structure, with a broad hinged cover and a narrower storage body. The lid is inset with an embroidered canvas panel depicting a bouquet of flowers in soft tones, framed by a gilt-metal border decorated with vegetal scrolls, leaves, and small floral motifs.
The exterior body is covered with light-coloured decorative cardboard, worked with a subtle moiré-like pattern. The edges and lower registers are reinforced with gilt-metal bands, also ornamented with engraved foliate decoration. On the front, a small metal lock plate is fitted at the centre, with a key inserted into the lock. On the lateral sides, ring handles are attached by floral-shaped metal mounts, each formed as a small cluster of blossoms. The box rests on four gilt-metal feet shaped like animal paws, giving the object a more elaborate and furniture-like character.
The interior is lined with pink paper and divided into four rectangular compartments intended to hold the cards or counters for the quadrille game. The partitions are edged with narrow gilt borders. The inside of the lid is also decorated: a gilt ornamental border frames the pink lining, while a central gilded figure of a winged angel or putto holding a trumpet and wreath occupies the upper panel.
Materials
Cardboard
Paper
Metal
Coton
Glass
Origin
circa 1820
Austria
Dimensions
Width : 7.3 cm
Length : 22.8 cm
Height : 18.5 cm