Polvera; Italy. Late 19th century, early 20th century.
Silver 800 gilt vermeil and enamel simulating malachite.
Contrasts in the interior.
Measurements: 1,5 x 11 x 9 cm.
Italian square-shaped compact made of gilded silver. The piece has a rich ornamentation that can be appreciated in the whole of the piece, which has a design based on enamel and chiselling. The lower area shows a vegetal design based on scrolls, and the upper area has a more expressive work, combining a scene in the centre framed by green enamel in the reserved areas of the corners.
The popularity of powder boxes dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when make-up was not yet socially accepted and when the first powder boxes were often concealed in accessories such as walking sticks, jewellery or hat pins.