Antique Spherical Cobalt Blue Jewelled Porcelain Trinket Box from Coalport, 1880

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Swirling spiral fluting and deep cobalt blue glaze define this spherical porcelain trinket box, decorated throughout with intricate raised-paste gilding … Read more Swirling spiral fluting and deep cobalt blue glaze define this spherical porcelain trinket box, decorated throughout with intricate raised-paste gilding and jewelled enamel beading. The two-piece circular form comprises a fitted domed cover over a matching base, opening cleanly along a gilded central seam. The exterior surface is richly ornamented with symmetrical foliate scrollwork, formal palmette motifs and star roundels, accented by raised golden beadwork reminiscent of Moorish metalwork. Each jewelled drop catches the light against the glossy ground glaze. At the apex of the cover, a moulded flowerhead motif in relief is picked out in burnished gold, anchoring the radiating decorative panels that follow the subtle lobes of the twisted body.

Manufactured in Shropshire, England, by Coalport circa 1880, the box reflects the late Victorian fascination with Near Eastern ornament and high-relief enamelled porcelain. Coalport excelled in complex jewelled wares during this era, applying raised enamel drops and heavy gold leaf to create tactile, gem-like surfaces over deep underglaze cobalt grounds. Proportions remain compact, with the vessel measuring approximately 7 cm in diameter and roughly 6 cm in height, though catalogued elsewhere at 7 cm cube. The box is preserved in excellent antique condition, showing no chips, hairline cracks or ceramic repairs, with the intricate gilded scrollwork and delicate raised enamel jewelling remaining remarkably crisp and intact. See less