{"product_id":"a-truly-breathtaking-survivor-from-the-victorian-grand-tour-era-this-magnificent-antique-french-bronze-casket-dates-to-around-the-mid-19th-century-and-embodies-the-romance-elegance-and-refinement-that-collectors-dream-of-finding","title":"A truly breathtaking survivor from the Victorian Grand Tour era, this magnificent antique French bronze casket dates to around the mid-19th century and embodies the romance, elegance, and refinement that collectors dream of finding.","description":"\u003cp\u003eSUPER RARE FIND | ANTIQUE FRENCH GRAND TOUR BRONZE CASKET - CIRCA 1840-1880.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA truly breathtaking survivor from the Victorian Grand Tour era, this magnificent antique French bronze casket dates to around the mid-19th century and embodies the romance, elegance, and refinement that collectors dream of finding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery surface is richly adorned with exquisite hand-engraved scrolling acanthus leaves, flourishing foliate motifs, and intricate ornamental details, demonstrating the extraordinary level of craftsmanship associated with fine French decorative arts of the period. The beautifully shaped body rests upon ornate scrolling feet, lending the piece an air of aristocratic grandeur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe true showstopper, however, is the spectacular oval panel set into the lid . Crafted from iridescent rainbow glass, it erupts with mesmerising flashes of violet, emerald, cobalt blue, gold, and magenta as the light moves across its surface. The effect is almost magical — resembling an oil-slick opal or a captured fragment of the northern lights suspended within bronze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA LITTLE HISTORY\u003cbr\u003eDuring the 19th century, wealthy European travellers embarked on the famous Grand Tour — a cultural journey through France, Italy, and beyond in search of art, architecture, and refinement. Decorative objects such as this were highly sought-after souvenirs and luxury possessions, designed to evoke the beauty and sophistication of Europe's greatest artistic centres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWHY WE LOVE IT\u003cbr\u003eFrom the extraordinary engraved bronze work to the hypnotic rainbow glass panel and sumptuous velvet-lined interior, every inch of this casket radiates old-world luxury. It is exactly the sort of treasure one imagines sitting upon the desk of a Victorian collector or nestled within a grand Parisian salon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparable Grand Tour bronze caskets regularly command prices of around R13,000 and upwards on the international market ( see last picture )\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasurements :The casket measures 14cm x 12 cm x 10cm and weight of 417 grams.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Expedition With Jones","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51292468904242,"sku":null,"price":3985.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0871\/2110\/1106\/files\/20260601-124344.jpg?v=1781153819","url":"https:\/\/expeditionwithjones.com\/products\/a-truly-breathtaking-survivor-from-the-victorian-grand-tour-era-this-magnificent-antique-french-bronze-casket-dates-to-around-the-mid-19th-century-and-embodies-the-romance-elegance-and-refinement-that-collectors-dream-of-finding","provider":"Expedition With Jones","version":"1.0","type":"link"}