Late 18th Century Bilston navette-shaped enamelled patch box

Price: £

Description: The hand-painted lid of this charming navette-shaped 18th Century Bilston patch box, depicts a lady feeding chickens within a dot or imitation seed pearl border. It closes upon a pink ground enamelled base. It is a highly decorative example and particularly attractive. English enamelling from this period rarely survives in a perfect state of preservation. Some degree of wear is acceptable, especially when considering its age, fragility, and usage. These decorative and finely made boxes contained beauty marks or patches, sometimes to hide facial blemishes. These patches were often simply round, but as their popularity grew in the second half of the eighteenth century, hearts, moons or stars were not uncommon. Where the patch was placed could act as a visual code - a patch by the eye meant the person was passionate, whilst one by the lips was considered flirtatious. Overall this box is in lovely condition, apart from some wear to its original mirror, which is to be expected. It forms part of a lovely collection that was recently offered to us by a client based in Surrey - each example was purchased from the same leading London, Bond Street retailer, by the previous owner's family. Halcyon Days was established in 1950 as an emporium of antique gifts in Mayfair, London. They have received several Royal warrants. Each patch box is displayed/stored within a nice quality presentation/gift box. The presentation box in the photographs may differ from the one you receive, as some display the patch boxes in a more photogenic manner than others. Measurements - 4.5cm wide x 3.5 cm deep x 2.3 cm high.

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