Powder boxes were designed to hold powder including cosmetic powder. Below are some examples of powder boxes including an 18th century micro mosaic box and a Coty powder compact.
Coty powder compact designed by Leon Bakst Designed by Draeger, Georges in Paris, France The founder, Francois Coty believed the aesthetics of the packaging to be as important as the product. After his successful artistic partnership with designer Rene Lalique in the early 20th century, Coty approached Leon Bakst to design the Air Spun powder box. Leon Bakst is celebrated for his colourful exotic costumes and decors created for the Ballet Russes, which prompted new fashions in dress and interior decoration. This colourful, exotic aesthetic can be seen in the design of the powder box, where fluffy white powder puffs with black and gold handles float against an orange and gold background.
Reference: Museum of Applied Art and Sciences
A Directoire gold and micromosaic powder box, Augustin-André Heguin, Paris, 1798-1809 the cover inset probably later with a micro-mosaic of a seated King Charles spaniel in landscape, the box engine-turned within chased borders of foliage and shells marked on base, side and cover diameter 3 in. 7.6 cm
Sold for 27,500 USD at Sotheby’s in 2017
A LATE 19TH CENTURY IVORY, ENAMEL AND GOLD POWDER CASE, BY BOUCHERON The circular carved ivory foliate case, decorated with multicoloured enamel tulips and floral motifs, the top centering a cabochon ruby within a blue enamel surround, opening to reveal a compartment holding a feather powder-puff with a carved ivory foliate handle, 1899, 5.5 cm, with French assay marks for gold Signed FIC Boucheron Paris for Frédéric Boucheron
Sold for CHF 85,000 at Christie’s in 2017
Gold Powder Box 14 kt. yellow gold, the engine-turned decorated octagonal box set to the top with round diamond and four cabochon sapphires, opening to reveal a powder well and mirror, total approximately 22.9 dwt.
Sold for $375 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle New York in 2001
R. Lalique “Libellules” powder box in an golden amber glass. Marked “R. Lalique” on the top cover. Diameter 7 inches. Height 2 inches.
Sold for $1,100 at Antique Place in 2019
Powder box 1866–70 New England Glass Company
Reference: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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