Lot 432: AN AUSTRIAN GOLD-MOUNTED TORTOISESHELL BONBONNIERE SET WITH A PORTRAIT MINIATURE

AN AUSTRIAN GOLD-MOUNTED TORTOISESHELL BONBONNIERE SET WITH A PORTRAIT MINIATURE
BY JOHANN-GEORG AIGNER (FL. 1789-1820), MARKED, VIENNA, 1799, THE MINIATURE BY JEAN PETITOT (1607-1691)
circular dark tortoiseshell box with gold mounts, the independent cover set with an oval enamel portrait miniature of a gentleman by Jean Petitot, in brown tunic, with red cloak draped across left shoulder, small moustache and long dark curling wig, within a square reserve of two-colour gold, chased with foliage on a sablé ground with polished gold frame
3½ in. (83 mm.) diam.

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.
Johann-Georg Aigner was born between 1761 and 1765 and became a master goldsmith in 1789 and was active until 1820. Other boxes by him are recorded, one in the Gilbert Collection (C. Truman, The Gilbert Collection of Gold Boxes, Vol. II, London, 1999, illustrated p. 93, no. 585), the other in the Victoria & Albert Museum, inv. no. 190-1878.