Perfume case

Unknown

third quarter 17th century · Silk and metal thread · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Whether or not the resemblance to a fish's iridescent scales and fine fins is intentional or fortuitous, this is a delightful example of a tiny perfume case, small enough to fit comfortably inside the palm of a hand. The three-dimensional patterning is achieved with buttonhole couching, worked in silver thread with purple, blue, pink and green silks.

Artist

Unknown

Date

third quarter 17th century

Medium

Silk and metal thread

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Rogers Fund, by exchange, 1929