Silver, Gilt & Lapis Lazuli Piano-Form Box

A silver, gilt, and Lapis Lazuli piano-form box, ca. 1875–1915. 3¼ H × 3½ W × 4¾ D inches, weight 11.26 oz.

European 800 silver and gilt miniature grand piano-form box, the hinged lid inlaid with a shaped panel of lapis lazuli framed by a finely cast gilt border. The body is ornamented with silvered scrolling arabesques and classical foliate motifs, while the front is rendered as a keyboard complete with individual gilt and silvered keys. The whole stands on four exuberant cabriole legs terminating in claw feet.

The lid opens to reveal a plain gilt interior and retains its original folding music stand, pierced and decorated with a fleur-de-lys-inspired design.

An exquisite and intricate objet de fantaisie of the late 19th and early 20th century. Silvermark to the base, likely the product of a skilled German or Austrian workshop.