around 1760-1770, attributed to James Cox
This luxurious nécessaire contains a rich selection of finely crafted toiletries and writing implements as well as a small cahier with pencil. It is decorated with variously colored agate and mother-of-pearl plates, partially enameled in red and green, and shows strips of glass rubies and faceted steel. A clock is mounted on the inside of the lid, the clockwork of which is signed by Thomas Benfield, London. The inner lid features a fine reverse glass painting of two women in a river landscape.
The accented polychrome, shiny exterior appealed to the international clientele of late 18th century London. Many of these pieces were created and exported for the Ottoman and Chinese markets. The famous London jeweler James Cox (1723-1800) and his competitors usually created these luxury pieces for the exotic markets in the East.
Height: 11 cm, width: 12 cm, depth: 9 cm
