Elegant Japanese‑style pen holder dating to the Napoléon III period, between 1850 and 1880, crafted in black lacquered papier‑mâché and decorated with a refined figurative scene inspired by Japanese aesthetics. The lid features an intricate composition of figures in traditional attire, architectural elements, and landscapes evoking the Far East, in line with the japonisme that deeply influenced European decorative arts in the second half of the nineteenth century.
Its elongated shape and internal divisions indicate its original use as a pen holder or writing‑instrument case for an elegant and cultured desk, though it is equally suitable for storing small writing accessories or collectible items.
The piece is preserved in excellent overall condition, with light surface wear consistent with age and use. These minor signs do not affect the clarity of the decoration or the overall elegance, but rather attest to its historical authenticity. This pen holder is a significant example of Napoléon III decorative arts, ideal for collectors of Orientalist objects, nineteenth‑century antiques, and period desk accessories.
Note: Measurements may vary slightly depending on the point of reference.
