BEAUTIFUL CASKET. CHINA, Canton, second half of the 19th century. Rectangular black and red lacquered wood box with gold highlights. The hinged lid is decorated in the centre with the monogram of Empress Eugenie (E) under an imperial crown framed by two scenes of several figures painted in two-tone gold bordered by a frieze of red and gold flowers. The upper part is richly decorated with pink silk embroidery featuring figures in traditional dress with finely painted faces, alternating with animals embroidered in polychrome silk threads. The lower part is in the shape of a case containing a fan. The whole rests on four feet decorated with small gilded frogs. Weathered, good condition. H.: 12 cm - W.: 40.5 cm - D.: 15.5 cm. History: It is rare to find fan cases as fine and refined as this one. The presence of the imperial monogram and the exceptional quality of this piece confirm that it was an official gift to the sovereign during her reign from 1853 to 1870. It was probably given as part of the Chinese cabinet that Empress Eugénie installed in her chateau at Fontainebleau.