The rectangular hinged top inlaid with a lozenge border and inset with a blue and white jasperware medallion depicting Cupid and Psyche, opening to reveal a slanted gilt-tooled red leather writing surface with ink and pen compartments, with further compatments beneath, with carrying handles and side drawer, the lockplate engraved 'Biennais Ma. Tabletier Ebeniste Au Singe Violet R. St. Honore'
5¹⁄₄ in. (13.5 cm.) high; 13 in. (33 cm.) wide; 7¹⁄₂ in. (19 cm.) deep

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.
Specified lots are being stored at Crozier Park Royal (details below) or will be removed from Christie’s, 8 King Street, London, SW1Y 6QT by 5.00pm on the day of the sale. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. If the lot has been transferred to Crozier Park Royal, it will be available for collection from 12.00pm on the second business day following the sale. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Crozier Park Royal. All collections from Crozier Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s, 8 King Street, it will be available for collection on any working day (not weekends) from 9.00am to 5.00pm
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Lot Essay

Martin-Guillaume Biennais (d. 1843) settled in Paris in 1789 as a tabletier and furniture maker before becoming goldsmith by appointment to Napoleon I and to the principal monarchs of Europe. In 1790, he acquired the boutique Au singe violet, where he specialised in the production of richly fitted nécessaires, games-tables and compact and refined pieces of furniture. These products were occasionally delivered in precious mahogany boxes, some of which were inlaid with jasperware plaques such as the present necessaire or on the jewellery casket on stand supplied to Joséphine Bonaparte, sold at Osenat, Fontainebleau, 9 June 2013, lot 146.

See lot 36 for further information on Martin-Guillaume Biennais.