chatelaine

Summary

Gilt metal repousse. Hook for fastening to belt, with scrolled front with design of sphinx and naked boy, hinged to three more shaped scrolled pieces with design of naked boy, woman and naked boy respectively, linked by pairs or rings and small metal pieces each side. Lowest metal piece linked with sprung clip and ring to case with hinged lid. Design of naked boy back and front of lid, and of woman in 18th century costume with boy back and front of case. Floral and scrolled design on sides. Case lined with purple velvet and with slots containing steel scissors, mother- of pearl knife, ivory notetablet, silver propelling pencil with amethyst top and bodkin with chased design. Cage-shaped, possibly for thimble, with hinged lid and floral design, and acorn-shaped holder with hinged lid, bloodstone with edges bound with gilt metal, on chains each side of front of hook.

Display Label

Personal Ritual Life is given structure by ritual and routine; we take comfort in the familiar patterns of each day. Some of these are public and community-based whilst others are more intimate, intensely personal - small moments that keep us in touch with ourselves. From sitting in front of a dressing room mirror preparing yourself for the day ahead, to relaxing in the bath when the day's work is done, our lives are made up of these little performances that keep us feeling healthy, happy and connected. These are the times we devote entirely to ourselves, to the contemplation of our space in the world. Here are personal possessions of an intimate nature, the contents of pockets and handbags, aids to beauty, good health and long life, the means for putting our thoughts down on paper. All these objects reflect our most private moments, and all form the subject of Personal Ritual.