Vintage could be older continental (silver?) small repousse trinket box
Vintage could be older continental (silver?) small repousse trinket box.
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This exquisite little box is adorned with decorations. As with most continental silver there are no Hallmarks so it is difficult to date, but I believe it's probably early 20th century. (Sold as white metal no Hallmarks).
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The interior has been lovingly lined with purple cloth. I don't believe this is original. There may be marks to confirm origin and date if this was removed. Stunningly decorative item.
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Size: 6 cm tall 7 cm round with some age related wear.
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Repoussé is a metalworking technique that involves hammering a malleable metal from the back to create a raised design. It's often used to decorate jewellery, shields, and plaques.
How it works
Hammer the reverse side of the metal to create a design in low relief
Add detail to the front of the piece by chasing or engraving
History
Repoussé has been used by ancient civilizations for thousands of years
It's often used to create delicate gold and silver-ware
Examples of repoussé can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Similar techniques
Chasing
A similar technique to repoussé that involves hammering the front side of the piece, sinking the metal
Embossing
A similar technique to repoussé that involves hammering the front side of the piece, sinking the metal
Learning repoussé
You can take a class or workshop to learn basic chasing and repoussé techniques
Practice is necessary to master the technique
The history of trinket boxes dates back to ancient civilizations, and they have been made from a variety of materials, including wood, stone, and precious metals.
Early history
The first Limoges trinket boxes were long and narrow containers for expensive needles
Egyptian men and women made boxes out of gold and set them with stones like turquoise, onyx, and lapis lazuli
Romans used jewelry boxes to store and protect brooches and other everyday items
18th century
The production of trinket boxes increased, and they became a necessary item for nobles
Trinket boxes were decorated with flowers, birds, and other delicate motifs
Musical trinket boxes
The first musical boxes appeared in 1502
Swiss watchmaker Charles Reuge created musical jewelry boxes that contained tiny drums, bells, and metal combs
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution led to the mass production of jewelry boxes, often smaller and more pocket-sized
Materials
Trinket boxes have been made from gold, iron, wood, stone, porcelain, and paper mache
Some boxes were made from precious or expensive materials such as gold, silver,
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