One of the most beautiful of these we've ever had, and mostly complete inside and as it was in the Victorian era when it was created. An Oriental lacquered and hand painted papier mache sewing box, chest, casket with the original sewing implements and tools inside. Silk winder 'snowflakes' (4), spools, waxer, netting needle, tatting shuttle and ornately carved spool clamp, several other small items inside a complete compartmented box. Delicately carved compartment covers in corners, and beautifully hand carved ivory items, all nearly 200 years of age, c. 1840-50. The outer box is stunning in its original beauty, entirely hand painted in gold and red, Oriental scenes without rub/fade, or loss. The box is strong at the hinge and has a working lock, but lacks the original key. The best from my own stashes of collections of a lifetime. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, remarkable on the exterior, a true work of art, entirely hand painted. No breaks in the box, though a tiny rough area along one corner seam. Lift-out tray is unbroken, and interior ivory tools are surprisingly well-preserved through time. One compartment lid has lost its original ivory knob and has a mother of pearl knob in replacement. The chest has the 3 original carved wood dragon feet, 2 in front and 1 centered in back. Shown from all angles for your review and appreciation. Museum quality.
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
