France, ca 1700. 8vo sized (15.8 x 9.6 x 2.5 cm). Full burgundy morocco. Spine with five raised, gilt-ornamented bands; compartments rich gilt with floral borders and floral vignettes, including tulips. Brown morocco label with gilt title. Boards with triple-gilt border, floral corner-pieces in oval cartouches, gilt floral borders, central gilt vignette. gilt dentelles. Marbled edges. Interior of red and gilt papier dominoté. Small brass hook and eye.

A lovely 18th-century French binding serving as a box. The title "trait de la douceur" suggests that this was meant to be a suprise, and may have contained sweets. The use of papier dominoté is unusual. Slight rubbing to the boards, otherwise very good, clean.