EARLY 19TH CENTURY, PROBABLY FRENCH

The coquilla nut is found on the eastern side of South America and was first introduced to Europe in the mid-16th century. The egg-shaped and sized nut is extremely hard, oily and takes a high polish and they enjoyed popularity for small turned and carved objects until the end of the 19th century. They were particularly favoured for snuff boxes, pomanders, pincushions, rosaries, scent flasks and pocket spice boxes but occasionally more ambitious objects were produced such as the late 17th century Dutch carved box on stand depicting biblical scenes, sold Christie’s, London, 10 May 2006, lot 27 (£4,650 including premium).