Necessaire with Inset Watch

This stunning and rare nécessaire with a watch inset was made for the Chinese market. A nécessaire is a small, decorative object that holds other smaller items for daily use. Though often designed to fit in a pocket, this example stands on four lamb-shaped feet. It contains many practical items, including a mirror, glass perfume bottles, telescope, compass, tweezers, scissors and a snuff spoon. Ormolu scrolls, lacquered flowers and colored paste gemstones adorn the case. Both the exterior and interior of the case feature slices of polished agate.

English clockmaker James Ransom designed this timepiece in the style of James Cox.