We class under this head the true works of the goldsmith, that is, those wherein chased gold of various tints is the prominent feature. Nothing is more graceful than these borders of ribbons, and wreaths of flowers in gold, white, red, green, and yellow, surrounding medallions of pastoral groups or cupids, chased with the most exquisite delicacy. Not unfrequently the refinement of the work is still further enhanced by a circle of brilliants surrounding the box, or a group of diamonds set in arabesque upon the top. Translucent enamels already appear laid on grounds partly guilloche, by a process introduced under Louis XV., and which became universal in the following reign: these grounds surround medallions charged with designs of a pastoral character. In many cases, no doubt with a view to variety, the artists caused pilasters and caryatides to stand prominently out round the circumference of the boxes, which, detached upon guilloche grounds enamelled in blue, garnet, green, iron-grey, etc., gave to the whole the appearance of being set in a cage of gold (une monture d'orfevrerie a cage).

Under this head we must remark those boxes which form a connecting link with the next section : they are those on which bouquets, chased in relief, are coloured in opaque enamel after the manner of Joaguet, and attempt to imitate nature. This style, contemporary with Dresden porcelain, has perhaps been influenced by the last, since we have seen bouquets in enamel scattered upon guilloche and chased gold, just as Dresden has seme with painted bouquets, her baskets of porcelain with plaited grounds in imitation of rushes.