What is an enamel powder compact?

An enamel powder compact is a small cosmetic container featuring a decorative enamelled lid, used by women during the twentieth century for powder touch-ups. These accessories range from simple chrome cases to elaborate sterling silver pieces decorated with guilloche engraving or hand-painted scenes.

How were these compacts used?

Owners carried them in handbags or evening purses to maintain their makeup throughout the day or evening. They typically housed a mirror, a powder sift, and a small puff. Some combination versions included extra compartments for rouge, pills, or lipstick to serve multiple needs on the go.

How do I identify Art Deco compacts?

Art Deco compacts display strong geometric patterns, symmetrical lines, and industrial metals like chrome alongside coloured enamel. They often feature streamlined shapes characteristic of design from the nineteen-thirties. Makers such as Richard Hudnut and various French workshops frequently utilised these modernist aesthetics.