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An exceptional early 19th century French telescopic double cigar or cheroot case, finely decorated throughout in hand-cut straw marquetry (marqueterie de paille), circa 1800–1830.
This remarkable object represents an unusually sophisticated example of the French decorative art of straw marquetry. Created as a personal gentleman’s smoking accessory, the quality of its construction, extensive decoration, and integrated owner’s monogram strongly indicate a bespoke commission from a skilled private workshop rather than ordinary commercial production.
The case measures approximately 14.5 x 7 x 2.8 cm (5.7 x 2.75 x 1.1 inches) and is constructed in a two-part telescopic form designed to accommodate two cigars or cheroots.
The workmanship is extraordinary.
The exterior decoration is composed of countless individually cut and fitted pieces of natural and dyed straw. A minute mosaic-like ground surrounds an elaborate scrolling foliate composition of leaves, tendrils, flowers, and curved ornamental forms. Rather than relying simply on color, the maker deliberately varied the direction of the straw fibers from one element to another. As the case moves in the light, these differently oriented surfaces reflect with varying intensity, producing the luminous golden, almost metallic brilliance characteristic of the finest straw marquetry.
The curved botanical ornament is particularly accomplished. Straw is naturally straight and linear, making the creation of flowing leaves and scrolls technically demanding. Individual fragments were precisely cut and assembled to create each curved element while preserving the intended direction of the grain. Under magnification, the extraordinary amount of handwork invested in the object becomes especially apparent.
The decorative program continues far beyond the exterior.
The sliding inner sleeve is itself extensively decorated in polychrome straw marquetry, retaining particularly beautiful gold, green, russet, and deep brown tones. Even the interior chamber intended to hold the cigars is finished with tonal straw-work ornament. Additional concealed floral and architectural motifs can be observed within the interior when illuminated.
This exceptional attention to surfaces normally hidden from view demonstrates that the case was conceived as a complete luxury object rather than simply a utilitarian container. Opening the case reveals successive layers of decoration, making the act of using it part of the aesthetic experience.
The end of the outer sleeve bears an elaborate interlaced three-letter owner’s monogram incorporated directly into the original straw marquetry. It is not a later engraving or applied addition, but an integral part of the decorative composition. This personalized detail is particularly compelling evidence that the case was individually commissioned for its original owner.
The telescopic construction remains remarkably precise. The inner section slides smoothly into the outer sleeve and the case closes securely with a distinct, crisp snap.
The state of preservation is exceptional. Antique straw marquetry is inherently fragile and is frequently encountered with lifting, missing elements, damaged edges, fading, deformation, or structural deterioration. This example has survived approximately two centuries with extraordinary integrity. The intricate exterior decoration, colored inner sleeve, monogrammed end panel, interior straw work, edges, and telescopic construction remain beautifully preserved.
The protected interior surfaces also retain stronger coloration than the exposed exterior, providing a fascinating glimpse of the original polychrome character of the piece.
Dating to circa 1800–1830 and attributed to France, this case belongs to the great European tradition of marqueterie de paille, in which an inexpensive natural material was transformed through extraordinary skill and patience into a surface possessing the optical richness of precious materials.
The combination of its personalized monogram, technically demanding curvilinear ornament, decorated telescopic sleeve, ornamented interior, hidden decorative details, excellent mechanical fit, and exceptional preservation places this example well above ordinary straw-work smoking accessories.
A museum-quality example of early 19th century French decorative art and a remarkable gentleman’s object of vertu.
DETAILS
Origin: France
Date: Early 19th century, circa 1800–1830
Type: Telescopic double cigar / cheroot case
Technique: Hand-cut straw marquetry / marqueterie de paille
Decoration: Polychrome foliate and geometric straw marquetry
Features: Integrated three-letter owner’s monogram; fully decorated sliding sleeve; decorated interior cigar chamber; concealed interior ornament
Dimensions: Approx. 14.5 x 7 x 2.8 cm / 5.7 x 2.75 x 1.1 inches
Exceptional antique condition. The straw marquetry is remarkably well preserved throughout, including the exterior, sliding inner sleeve, interior chamber, edges, and monogrammed end panel. The case retains its correct shape without significant deformation. The telescopic action remains smooth and precise and closes securely with a crisp snap.
Please examine all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the description.
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