Dressing case

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A dressing case was used by ladies to contain their personal cosmetics, jewellery and small dress accessories. This example of black wood and ivory was made in India in the 18th century.

The case is fitted with a collapsible mirror and a sliding drawer. The entire surface is covered with ivory panels incised with views of buildings and dense floral borders. On the underside there is an inscription referring both to the person who commissioned this case and the person who was to receive it: 'L, Maudsley to his much respected friend Mrs Ann Copeland as a birthday gift with wishes that it was more worthy her acceptance. I regret it is not. 17th May 1795'.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-230-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1894.445 B
• Date: 1795
  18th century
  
• Material: Key, dressing case
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Key, dressing case
  
• Subject: Lacquer, papier-mache and carved wood
  
• Who:
• Where: India
  
• Event:
• Description: Dressing-case key: Indian, 18th century
  
• References:
• Translations:
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