{"product_id":"george-ii-enameled-gold-etui-with-jasper-seal","title":"George II Enameled Gold Étui with Jasper Seal","description":"George II-period Étui\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1760 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exquisite George II-period étui, or decorative case, is a superb example of the intricate goldwork and enameling prized in 18th-century European luxury arts. Crafted in gold and richly ornamented in the Rococo taste, it combines exceptional chasing, colorful enamels and a carved hardstone seal in a remarkably intimate object. Dating to circa 1760, the étui reflects both the refinement of the Georgian court and the period’s fascination with beautifully crafted objects designed for personal use. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The slightly tapering case is boldly chased with playful putti amid scrolling foliage and Rococo flourishes, all set against a finely textured \u003cem\u003esablé\u003c\/em\u003e ground. Trailing pink and white flowers and verdant green foliage enliven the gold with vivid color, while the base is fitted with an intricately carved jasper matrix, which would have been pressed into sealing wax. The seal depicts Cupid aiming his arrow toward a heart raised upon a pole, accompanied by the French motto “AV PLVS ADROIT,” meaning “To the most skillful.” This amorous emblem suggests that the heart is the prize of the most skillful lover, making the seal particularly fitting for letters exchanged between lovers. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The term \u003cem\u003eétui\u003c\/em\u003e derives from the Old French \u003cem\u003eestuier\u003c\/em\u003e, meaning “to keep or hold,” and these small cases were designed to carry useful personal implements such as scissors, needles and thimbles. Their compact size also made them well suited to carrying secret correspondence, particularly love letters. In this example, the integrated wax seal would have allowed the owner to seal such intimate correspondence with an emblem whose Cupid-and-heart imagery further reinforces its romantic purpose. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Stamped with the Étranger “ET” mark, indicating its import to France \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 3 1\/2\" high x 3\/4\" wide x 1\/2\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45696153256071,"sku":"32-3172","price":17850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-3172_1.png?v=1787865713","url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/products\/george-ii-enameled-gold-etui-with-jasper-seal","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}