A mahogany and brass mounted cigar humidor, by Alphonse Tahan, circa 1880. Signed to lock plate Tahan. 16.5 cm high, 28.5 cm wide, 15.5 cm deep. Note: Born in Belgium in 1830 and by the age of 19, he had opened a shop at 30 Rue de la Paix in the heart of Paris. Tahan grew to prominence as a craftsman known for creating beautiful and varied pieces, from the elaborate to the simple. His work, typical of the second Empire, combined a classical formality reminiscent of the late 1700s with the lavish use of costly materials. He used many techniques including using pieces of cast brone to simulate bamboo. Tahan eventually caught the eye of Napoleon's wife, Empress Eugenie, and he became the official 'ebeniste' (cabinetmaker) to the Emperor and his wife. Her regard for Tahan's workshop led to great demand for his furniture and smaller items.