Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Studded Minaudière

This rare brass box would have been a coveted contraption in the finest English pubs of the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as an “honesty” box, the rectang...

A musical movement distinguishes this wonderful early 19th-century gold vinaigrette box. The vessel is covered in delicate engraving highlighted by bl...

This exceptional singing bird cylinder music box is a wonder of Austrian mechanical ingenuity. Not only does it play a selection of classical airs with remarkable tone and clarity, but its lush sound is accompanied by a colorful, singing bird automaton...

This important German porcelain snuff box exhibits delightful artistry and craftsmanship. Hand painted classical tableau celebrating the e...

This intriguing Chinese zhadou is intricately carved of fine cinnabar lacquer. A work of exceptional artistry, this covered bowl is adorned with an intricately carved floral motif on all surfaces, including the cover and the wide rim. Also known as a cuspidor or spittoon, this rare container would have been used by members of the imperial family and scholar- officials at the court. Carved during the Kangxi period (1662-1722), this charming piece exhibits the high detail and charm associated with items from that period, making it a true treasure, Early 18th century (Kangxi dynasty) Measures: 6 ¼” wide x 3 ¼” high Cinnabar has been revered for its color all over the world. It has been found in the royal burial chambers of the Mayas, in the rituals of India, and in the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome. In China, cinnabar and gold were the two most important elements in alchemy. Mined since the Neolithic Age, cinnabar is the ore of mercury, and as such, it can be incredibly toxic, especially when mining. In fact, during the Roman Empire, miners at Spain’s Almadén mine in Spain were frequently exposed to mercury fumes, and the subsequent, often fatal, sickness was considered an occupational hazard. The most popular known use of cinnabar is in Chinese carved lacquer-ware, a technique that is believed to have originated in the Song Dynasty, in which cinnabar is ground to a powder and added to clear lacquer. As with mining, there was inherent danger of mercury poisoning for those who carved the lacquer, as mercury was also released into the air when artisans ground the pigments. Most antique cinnabar...

Mounted in delicate 18K yellow gold openwork is this exquisite 18th-century English snuff box formed from green jasper. For over 300 years, master artisan...

Van Cleef & Arpels ruby & gold compact makeup box, 2 cabochon rubies on top. Inside the box consists of 2 compartments and a gold lipstick holder ...

Boucheron silver and vermeil minaudière French, circa 1960 Measures: Minaudière: Height 2.5cm, width 13cm, depth 8.5cm Case: Height 4cm, width 18cm...

Indulge in the opulence of history with this exceptional French Minaudiére from the Napoleon III era, crafted in 1890. This rare piece is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship o...

This is a Judith Leiber Swarovski crystals minaudiere / clutch. It depicts a gold tone metal heart shaped minaudiere adorned with a large peony flower with green leaves in the front ...

This is a Judith Leiber minaudiere, clutch and/or purse. It depicts a small rectangular metal box wrapped with an ocean blue palette, green, yellow, brown and beige color paper illus...

A Boucheron Paris 18k Gold, Silver & Ruby Vermeil Minaudiere Circa 1940, of rectangular form with a hinged cover the top of the cover with pierced vermeil scrolling foliage the flow...