Two toilet caskets, André-Charles Boulle, c. 1685 - c. 1690
These caskets on stands probably served no practical purpose. They were made as works of art, to add lustre to a princely chamber. They are ornamented with marquetry of tortoiseshell and brass, supplemented with some pewter. Boulle specialized in this technique, which is known as boullework. The shape of the fittings accords well with the patterns of the marquetry.