Powder compact; Italy. End of XIX century, beginning of XX century.

Powder compact; Italy. Late 19th century, early 20th century.
Silver 800 gilt and bone.
It presents damages in the upper medallion.
Preserves original cloth case.
Hallmarks on the clasp.
Measurements: 0,5 x 9,5 cm.
French circular shaped compact made of gilded silver. The lower zone is defined by the use of a chiseled ornamentation, based on a design of vegetal motifs that are arranged by the totality of the surface. The area of the lid also has a rich ornamentation, although of greater expressiveness, the outer perimeter has been worked with an openwork design based on vegetal motifs, while the center has a carving of ivory simile that shows an image of gallant character.
The popularity of powder boxes dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when make-up was not yet socially accepted and the first powder boxes were usually hidden in accessories such as walking sticks, jewelry or hat pins.