English Petite Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Box

This late 19th century English trinket box has an elegant design of lacquered papier-mâché with mother-of-pearl inlay. The inlaid decoration depicts a spray of various flowers which catches the light beautifully and shimmers with opalescent hues of pink and turquoise. Each shell is unique in color and texture with a glimmering, iridescent finish. The case is hinged on the back which neatly opens to reveal a prim interior. Petite in size, this antique case was likely used as a snuff box, pill box, or for storing small jewelry or trinkets.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.