We were very fortunate to acquire a large group of 130 year old antique Victorian
ivory vanity items from a direct descendant of the original owner. These fine ivory
pieces were initially purchased by a wealthy East coast aristocrat in the early 1880s,
during the 19th century period known as the Gilded Age, an era of upper class opulence
and wealth. Each piece is available individually here on our web site. Please see
the last image above for a picture of all the items grouped together and history
/ provenance information.
This listing is for the unusual diamond shaped vanity or
dresser box pictured in the middle of the last image/group photo above and shown
in detail in the preceding images. Please note: placing your cursor on the image
will enlarge it for a more detailed view.
This fine vanity item features all of the
definitive aspects required to confirm natural ivory, including the distinctive grain
and very visible cross hatching pattern known as Schreger lines, sometimes also described
as stacked chevrons, diamond or V shapes. Please see the 5th image above for a close
up view of the aforementioned pattern, which can be found in multiple locations throughout
the box. It is very cool to the touch (another ivory indicator) with a beautiful
warm patina only achieved through 130 plus years of age and gentle use.
Vanity boxes
of this type would have been used at milady`s boudoir dressing table for regularly
utilized articles such as favorite jewelry, pins, hair combs and perhaps ribbons
or similar items.
This box is a rather unusual and not often seen diamond, or triangular
shaped form, utilizing an interesting and very high quality peg type construction,
with a lift off type lid featuring an exquisitely carved and unbelievably intricate
monogram, similar to carving work attributed to the Dieppe area of France, a historical
center famous for fine quality hand carved ivory. The monogram is so fancy and elaborate
it could be interpreted as any number of initials, however due to the family supplied
provenance we know definitively that the three letters represented on this piece,
as on all the other pieces in the group, are: MST. Please note this monogram is
carved into the ivory, with the surrounding area cut away so the initials appear
raised, or in relief, versus the more commonly found monogram that is carved separately
and then applied. The method used to carve the monogram on this particular vanity
box is definitely a more complicated and time consuming technique. It also indicates
that this piece, in fact most/all of the pieces included in the group shown above,
were actually custom made for the owner and likely part of her 1881 dowry / bridal
/ wedding trousseau.
We are especially pleased to note that this fine ivory vanity
box is in exceptionally fine antique estate condition, with no chips, cracks, or
breaks. A very slight amount of age related shrinkage has occurred, seemingly only
affecting to a very minor degree (apx. less than 1 mm) the two ends (length wise)
and mainly the bottom edge. See image #6 for magnified view. As stated this is minimal
and in our professional opinion quite insignificant. The lid fits/aligns very well.
The interior is clean and free of stains, etc.
A very high quality antique dresser
box, likely French in origin and custom made for a wealthy East coast aristocrat.
Exquisitely crafted and finely carved from substantial, thick, heavy ivory, with
great attention to detail. Even 130 years ago this certainly would have been a
very costly vanity item. The outstanding condition indicates it was cherished and
well cared for.
Please see the other related 19th century ivory items also listed
in this same category.
