French Adt Frères Papier Mâché Pencil Box with Gold Transfer-Printed Japanese Scene with Hand Painted Details, late 19th - early 20th century

A black papier mâché pencil box by the firm Adt Frères. Originally a German firm, it moved to Pont-a-Mousson in the French-speaking part of Lorraine after the Franco-Prussian war. In addition to outlets in Berlin, Nuremburg and Milan, Adt Frères opened one in London in 1860. Many of their designs were Japanese scenes transfer-printed in gold. In earlier wares, as here, the flesh tints were hand coloured and painted.

The hinges are slightly stiff. The box and painting are in excellent condition.