Palais Royal Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Box

The delicate artistry of this 19th-century Palais Royal sewing nécessaire matches the intricate work for which it was made. A pair of scissors, bodkin, thimble, awl, needle case, perfume bottle and two spoked bobbins are all fitted within a velvet-lined tray contained within the box. The box itself is crafted of lustrous mother of pearl, carefully etched and mounted in gilt bronze. At a time when sewing was considered among the greatest feminine arts, a nécessaire such as this would have symbolized one's good taste, as well as her wealth.

Bears maker's label "Au Nom de Jesus. / BADIN / Coutelier et Fabt. de Necessaires / Brevete et Fournisseur / de S. A. S. Monseigneur / LE DUC D'ORLEANS / Palais Royal No. 152 / A PARIS"

Circa 1825

6 1/2" wide x 4 1/2" deep x 2" high