Mystery book

This object was sold at auction in New York in 2008 for $1500. Notice how the side is decorated to look like an antique book, with raised ridges on the "spine" and a red label for the "title."

Is it the world's most expensive decorator Kleenex box?

It's not a Kleenex box. It is a 17th century French travelling commode, in the shape of a book. The auction catalog helpfully noted that the size is "Folio" -- the largest size for a book. This antiquarian "book" has full calf leather covers elaborately decorated with a stamped geometric design, and an attractive spine with a "title" label in red morocco leather trimmed with gilt.

The auction house did not know who was the original owner of this antique. They guessed it might have been a military commander or some other important person who would have spent a lot of time travelling in "uncivilized" lands but still wanted to travel in style and comfort.

What is the title of this strange biblio-pot? "Historia Universalis," or "A universal history." Perhaps that was the maker's comment on the "universality" of the object's function!