Scissors case
Germany or France
1875-1900
Measurements
4-5/8 in x 2-1/8 in x 3/4 in
Materials
Glazed and gilded porcelain, unidentified metal alloy
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.
Accession Number
1971.1481
Condition Notes
The base of the hinge for the cap has detached from the end of the case.
Provenance
Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner
Comments
This scissors case, with a hinged cap, is made of porcelain and decorated in yellow, orange, green purple and blue enamels and gilding. It belongs to a long European tradition of small, elegantly made boxes for holding scissors, as in this instance, sewing or writing tools, or other small objects. Such a luxury item might also have been called a nécessaire or étui. For another example, see a case of similar origin and provenance, accession no. 1971.1480. Both of these items were likely acquired by Mary Warner for her personal use.
