Rare antique 19th century French bronze wax seal set. Richly decorated with a motif of stylized foliage, flowers and rocailles. The top of the handle pulls out to expose a hidden drawer. Containing 7 changeable matrices or wax seal tiles. Each of the tiles is double-sided, giving you a choice of fourteen different images and phrases to choose from. A rare find to your wax seal collection or to make wax seal jewelry and pendants using silver clay . In good antique overall condition with general wear and discoloration to the metal commensurate with age and use. The wax seal measures 2 1/2" length.
The matrix tiles including the following:
Depicting an anchor, cross and heart symbolizing faith, love and hope.
An image of a full heart with the phrase 'Je ne suis pas gai si tu es triste' / I am not happy if you are sad. This is a sweet sentiment of the bond that connects us to the ones we love. When you hurt, I hurt.
An image of cupid surrounded by the phrase 'L'amitié est l'amour sans aile' / Friendship is love without his wings. Based on the poem penned by Lord Byron, December 29, 1806.
An image of clasped hands below the word: Amitié / Friendship. Symbolizing the strong bond between friends.
Depicting an open birdcage with a song bird flying away and the French motto: 'Qui me Neglige, me Perd' / Who Neglects me, loses me. A stern reminder to care for and nourish the things in life that matter to you.
A depiction of a fox and stork, the stork with his beak in a tall vessel, surrounded with the phrase: 'Chacun son tour' / Each in turn. From the Fables de La Fontaine (le renard et la cigogne). The fable goes that the fox invited the stork to dine with him; and served the meal in a shallow dish which he could easily lap up; however the stork could not eat because of her long beak. The stork in turn, invited the fox to dinner; and served the delicious meal within a tall jar to accommodate only her beak; however impossible for the fox to reach. The message: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
The quote 'Je suis libre' / 'I am free' above an image depicting a running horse free of his rider. With the potent symbolism of the equestrian horse throwing the rider, the message is clear: Liberation. There is a great relief in being released from a burden.
The opposite side:
Mardi / Tuesday
Vendredi / Friday
Jeudi / Thursday
Dimanche / Sunday
An image of a running gray hound dog with a letter in its mouth, followed by the phrase Je suis pressé / I am in a hurry. The racing dog acts as courier for an important message.
An image of two riders racing horses, neck and neck, with the French word "Lequel?" or "Which one?" A wonderful allegory for the close calls that we are all forced to make in our professional and personal lives.
A depiction of a cliff side battered by a tempestuous storm with the phrase, Calm au sein des orages / Calm in the midst of the storm. A reminder to stay calm even when life gets rocky.