Antiques M.S. Rau | British Tortoiseshell Necessaire

This English Nécessaire De Voyage, Or Vanity Case, Is As Much An Item Of Luxury As It Is Of Necessity. Formed Of Ebonized Tortoiseshell, The Gilt Interior, Lined With Rich Blue Velvet, Contains An Impressive Array Of Personal Accouterments, All Perfectly Fitted In Their Own Compartments. Comprised Of Multiple Levels In A Sumptuous Presentation, The Stunning Set Is Impeccably Suited For Carrying Everything An Affluent Victorian Would Have Needed While Traveling.

Travel Became A Key Pastime For The Affluent Beginning In The 18Th Century. Young Gentlemen And Women Of High Social Standing Often Traveled Throughout The Continent On An Extended, Educational Tour Known As Their Grand Tour. These Lengthy Journeys Required A Convenient Means Of Transporting The Personal Belongings, Or Necessities, Of Daily Life. Often Constructed Of Luxurious Materials Such As Silver, Gold, Mother Of Pearl, Crystal, Fine Woods And Leathers, These Nécessaires De Voyage Became Highly Personalized Symbols Of Wealth And Taste, Carrying Everything From Toiletries And Jewelry To Sewing And Writing Instruments. To Find One Of Such Extraordinary Craftsmanship And Quality Is Exceptionally Rare.

19Th Century

7 1/4″ High X 12″ Wide X 9″ Deep