Antique 19th century French tea caddy by Alphonse TAHAN. Decorated in beautiful serpentine edging with exquisite marquetry primarily veneered in fine thuya wood accented with borders of rosewood and ebonized pearwood inlay. Brass bound edging along the lid and base. Retains a working lock and key. Signed Tahan Fournisseur De l'Empereur (Tahan Supplier of the Emperor). Opening to a reveal a palisander interior with three fitted compartments housing removable tea canister boxes. Each hinged canister features brass inlay and palisander veneer opening to all original silver foil paper lined interiors. In very good to excellent antique condition. Measures 10" length x 6" width x 6 1/8" height. The canisters measures 4" x 2 1/2" x 4 7/8" height.
Alphonse Tahan (1830-1880) was the official ébéniste de l'Empereur or master cabinet maker to Emperor Napoleon III and his wife, the Empress Eugénie. Known for her beauty and impeccable taste, the Empress Eugene enjoyed the reputation as a trend setter and favored the workshop Tahan. Tahan Fabricant was located at 30 Rue de La Paix from 1849 and subsequently from 1878 at Boulevard des Italiens. His work was exhibited at The London Crystal Palace Exhibition in 1851 and the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1855, and on both occasions were awarded medals. His work exhibits such quality and is in high demand by collectors and enthusiasts alike.