This silver gilded box was made originally used to store 'mouches'. These tiny beauty patches were originally invented to hide scars created by smallpox, but ended up being a very popular fashion accessory in the 18th Century, with their shape and placement conveying different meanings.
This beautiful little storage box is made from gilded silver. The bottom is made from mother-of-pearl, and the lid also has a mother of pearl carving with typical Rococo swirls. This mother of pearl works as a frame, displaying the unique inlay below. The inlay of the box consists of tiny glass threads in the colours red, blue, and green.
Dimensions: 40 x 48 x 13 mm / 1.57 x 1.90 x 0.50 inches.
Condition: in antique condition with wear and alterations. The top mother-of-pearl carving has cracks and missing areas. There are a few minor damages to the glass tubular inlays. The outside gilding has mostly rubbed off. The inner mirror is a contemporary replacement.
Hallmarks: the outside of the box carries a Hen's head decharge mark, which was used in Paris between 1750 and 1756. The inside also carries a rubbed maker's mark, which I was not able to identify.
Age: Mid 18th Century, Roccoco period, circa 1750s.
Please note that this shop is based in the EU. Buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import taxes and/or VAT.