Exceptional gold mounted rock crystal nécessaire

French or German, second quarter of the 18th century.

Measures 7.2 x 6.3 x 4.4cm.

The nécessaire is set with convex and concave panels of clear rock crystal, with crisp mounts made of high carat gold, the case opens by depressing a gold mounted button set with a faceted ruby. The case contains two rock crystal bottles decorated with scrolls and flowers, each with gold stoppers surmounted by a butterfly, also a gold spoon and a gold funnel. The gold mounts appear to be unmarked although test as high carat gold. The sublime quality of the lapidary alongside the crisp and refined elegance of the gold mounts indicate that this is the work of a master for an important patron.