A stunning and large portrait miniature by most standards, either a powder or trinket or bonbon box, or a table snuff - I would ID it as a powder box, from experience, and date it first half of 1800s, created for the Grand Tour tourist trade souvenir seekers. I don't recognize the portrait, but it is likely after a full size portrait among the museum collections, or perhaps a fantasy portrait of the traveler in a Renaissance era costume and fashion. The mat has the look of karat gold, but I have not tested it - more likely a thick plating I would think. Some 18th century boxes and portrait frames have a rather unique thin 18k gold plaque adhered to the brass mounting - not just plating, but this seems far more likely to be nearly a century later than those early ones. A beautiful box in fine condition throughout. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. Convex cover glass and care have kept the painting in excellent form, and I see nothing of a signature, but also no loss or damage. Beautifully crafted, it remains without crack nor hairline, though I will note that the top fits snug to the bottom. I need to use a fingernail to slip between and slightly pry the top off the box. You may need to, as well. Just noted that it will open more easily if you're careful to turn the lid 'til it meets the perfect fit to the bottom, and then it is easier to remove - very slightly out of round.
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.
