ART DECO LADY’S PATCH BOX C.1920

The custom of applying patches (beauty marks) to the face dates to the 16th-18th century to hide blemishes such as smallpox scars. They were kept in special patch boxes such as this. When popularity waned, the boxes carried on serving other cosmetic accessories. This example dates to about 1920, in the Art Deco style, decorated in guilloche, which at that time described geometric machining including “engine turning”. It is oval, 2 ¾” width with top and bottom identical but for the decoration. The bottom is embossed in a fine lattice and the top in an  intricate net pattern of swirls (engine turning). Excellent with fine patina.