Louis XV, Louis XVI or Georgian era to perhaps c.1820 at latest, this is a stunning little hand carved ivory Dieppe masterpiece, a needle case in its beginning, I think, though also an argument for a snuff box or patch box, useful as a match vesta, as well, though not originally made for that - earlier than matches. Fruit and flowers, and a scallop shell push on that sliding lid, the box is also made in the form of a sarcophagus, popular form in last half of 1700s. Likely a piece from a large fitted-out sewing box, this remains. A favorite of my own longtime collections, now being disbursed. Measurements noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. It has 2 flaws and I've noted it with "x" on our photos. The opulently carved lid is pristine. Top rim of bottom half has 2 chips. A beautiful little work of art, no chips on that elegantly carved lid.
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.
