1900's French B Wicker Boucher Pastorale Silver Plated Jewellery Box

Antique French Silver-Plated Jewellery Box – B. Wicker Engraving – “Pastorale” After François Boucher – Circa 1900


An elegant and beautifully detailed French decorative jewellery box, featuring an intricate pastoral scene inspired by the celebrated 18th-century Rococo painter François Boucher (1703–1770).


The rectangular box features an exceptionally detailed relief engraving depicting an intimate pastoral gathering of figures in a romantic countryside landscape, surrounded by elaborate scrolling foliage and classical ornamental borders.


The artwork is identified by the engraved inscriptions:


- BOUCHER – Referencing François Boucher, the celebrated French Rococo painter.

- PASTORALE – Identifying the pastoral subject.

- B. WICKER Gr. – Appearing to identify the engraver responsible for the decorative composition.


The combination of detailed figural engraving, ornate borders and contrasting metal tones gives this piece a distinctive late-Victorian or Belle Époque appearance.


Construction & Design


The box is constructed from silver-coloured plated metal, believed to be silver-plated copper or a similar base metal, although the precise composition has not been independently verified.


The hinged lid displays a finely worked central pictorial panel surrounded by symmetrical decorative scrollwork.


Additional raised floral and foliate decorations continue along the exterior sides and ends, demonstrating considerable attention to detail.


The interior retains its attractive cream-coloured, deeply button-tufted cushioned lining, suitable for displaying rings, jewellery, keepsakes or small collectibles.


Approximate Dimensions


- Length: 13.5–14 cm

- Width: 5.3 cm

- Height: Not measured


Condition


An attractive antique-style piece retaining considerable decorative detail.


Visible surface wear, scratches, tarnishing, patination and areas of plating loss consistent with age and handling.


The contrasting copper-coloured areas are particularly evident across the engraved pastoral scene.


The original-style padded interior remains present, displaying some age-related discolouration.


The hinged lid is shown in its open position.


No professional cleaning, restoration or metal testing has been undertaken.


Please examine all photographs carefully, as these form an important part of the condition description.


Historical & Collectible Interest


François Boucher was one of the most influential painters of the French Rococo period, renowned for his idyllic pastoral landscapes, romantic figures and decorative compositions.


The engraved attribution to B. Wicker adds an additional layer of interest for collectors researching French decorative metalwork and engraved objects.


The precise date, workshop and manufacturer remain unverified. A late-19th to early-20th-century date is suggested by the styling.


Ideal For


Collectors of French decorative antiques, silver-plated boxes, engraved metalwork, Rococo-inspired objects, vintage jewellery cases and European decorative arts.


An attractive display piece with a wonderfully detailed historical design and distinctive aged character.


The sale includes the jewellery box shown in the photographs.


Carefully packaged for secure dispatch.