A striking North African brass jewellery or trinket box decorated with colourful enamel panels and coral cabochons, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century.
The lid is arranged in a geometric star design filled with deep cobalt blue and green enamel and centred by a large coral cabochon surrounded by four smaller stones. Each cabochon is held within serrated mounts, creating a raised sculptural surface reminiscent of traditional Amazigh jewellery decoration.
The sides of the casket are finished with applied brass scrollwork bands and coloured inserts framed by twisted wire borders, echoing decorative elements found in Moroccan and Algerian metalwork. The brass surface retains traces of what appears to be an earlier silver or tin wash, now worn through to reveal the underlying brass and producing a pleasing aged patina.
Originally intended as a decorative container for jewellery, coins or personal keepsakes, pieces of this type combine traditional North African decorative motifs with practical domestic use.
Both functional and visually distinctive, the box makes an attractive jewellery casket or decorative object and would suit interiors that favour global antiques and collected decorative arts.
Dimensions
Width: 12.5 cm
Depth: 8 cm
Height: 3.5 cm
Weight: 237 g
Condition
Good antique condition with age-related wear. Surface patina and oxidation consistent with age. Minor wear to enamel, missing one quadrant cabochon as seen in photos. Interior shows expected age marks.
