From a fine Cincinnati Estate, this Vernis Martin hand decorated vitrine was sold for $13,500.

In the nineteenth century a vitrine such as this was a showcase, a case or enclosure of glass for the display of delicate articles. These vitrines were displayed in museums, private houses, and shops. Often the carving of vitrines were the very best and the insides lined with plush and admirably fitted for displaying choice china for no cabinet can display valuable plates and vases to such advantage as does a vitrine.

[Photo courtesy of Stuart Holman]