Very striking 19th century hand carved lustrous mother of pearl and leather expanding purse with intricately carved Renaissance scene on front plaque of a female musician playing the mandolin to accompany a male singer, while both of them read music from a duet music stand. They stand on what appears to be an elaborately decorated stage with thick curtains pulled back with tassels. The reverse of the purse is a plain mother of pearl plaque. Under the mother of pearl is a leather covered metal frame. The purse opens to reveal crimson silk lined compartments.It is hinged on bottom, and closes with a tightly sprung push button catch.Size-3 inches wide by 2 5/8 inches high by .5 inches deep closed.Weight-60 grams without wrapping.A beautiful little purse in very good condition for its age, with the exception of some losses to the pierced scalloped border around the front plaque as seen in photos.A lovely object for a collection with beautiful colour and patina. ...