Antique Casket and Silver from Palermo

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Rare pairing of mid-19th-century Birmingham papier-mâché casket and Palermo silver with Sicilian baroque presence. The casket features black lacquer, abalone inlay, hand-painted flowers, and an original quilted satin interior.

Description

This elegant pairing combines English aristocratic taste with Sicilian decorative richness, creating a distinctive collector’s ensemble. The black papier-mâché casket has the refined proportions of a mid-19th-century English cabinet piece, lifted on delicate feet and decorated with abalone shell inlay and hand-painted floral motifs.

Inside, the original quilted satin lining remains beautifully preserved, adding to the authenticity and charm of the object. Its compact but substantial format makes it ideal for a dressing table, writing desk, or display cabinet, where the contrast between dark lacquer, iridescent shell, and painted ornament can be fully appreciated.

Presented together with Palermo silver, the grouping gains a layered historic character that bridges English craftsmanship and Italian decorative tradition. The result is a visually rich, highly collectible ensemble with strong decorative appeal and clear period atmosphere.

Casket Details

  • Origin: Birmingham

  • Date: Circa 1850

  • Material: Black papier-mâché, abalone inlay, hand-painted decoration

  • Interior: Original quilted satin

  • Size: 29 x 21 x 11.4 cm

  • Style: Mid-19th-century cabinet box

Visual Character

  • Raised on elegant feet.

  • Floral painted panels.

  • Decorative shell inlay.

  • Suitable for classic, eclectic, or collector interiors.

external
size chest(in.) waist(in.) hips(in.)
XS 34-36 27-29 34.5-36.5
S 36-38 29-31 36.5-38.5
M 38-40 31-33 38.5-40.5
L 40-42 33-36 40.5-43.5
XL 42-45 36-40 43.5-47.5
XXL 45-48 40-44 47.5-51.5