Three MCM Italian Alabaster and Brass Claw Dolphin Footed Lidded Jewelry Boxes

Very decorative 1960s Italian hand carved orange alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi. Consists of a heavy ashtray, also very useful as trinket dish or vide-poche. A table lighter (which also fits a wax tea light candle). And a very pretty lidded hinged box, which originally would have held cigarettes but also could be used to keep jewellery or little treasures in. Cigarette sales peaked in the 20th century, people were allowed to smoke in the office, the cinema, at restaurants, indoors and outdoors. Once women were able to smoke freely, smoking became a social norm and in general it was considered an act of elegance and sophistication. Businessmen in the 1960s were rarely seen without a cigarette in their hand. So needles to say you needed pretty smoking accessories...

Clover or quartreform shaped mid-19th century Chinese canton export tea caddy in gold lacquered wood on a black background. Decorated with palace scenes...

This trio of Italian alabaster tazzas, with their sun-kissed hues and classical egg-and-dart rims, are a testament to timeless Italian craftsmanship. Each piece stands on a square pe...

A set of two beautiful jewelry boxes with glass lids made of opal glass. This type of jewelry box was mainly made in France, Italy and earlier in Bohemia. They were made from the early 19th century to the mid 20th century. However, the heyday of opal boxes...