What is a mother of pearl sewing box?

These are nineteenth-century wooden or papier-mache containers lined with silk and fitted with compartments for threads, thimbles, and needles. The lids and surfaces feature inlaid iridescent shell plaques. Such boxes served as practical desktop accessories for ladies undertaking needlework in period homes.

How do I date a sewing box?

Dating relies on timber choices, exterior shapes, and interior fittings. Regency and early nineteenth-century examples often employ rosewood with simple geometric shell inlay. Later Victorian and Edwardian pieces incorporate coromandel, walnut, or papier-mache alongside more elaborate silver wire stringing and fitted trays.

What are Palais Royal sewing pieces?

Palais Royal items originate from French workshops associated with the famous shopping galleries in Paris. They frequently take the form of etuis, necessaires, or egg-shaped containers carved from whole mother of pearl shells. These pieces often include gilt bronze mounts and specialised sewing implements designed for wealthy travellers.

How should I care for these boxes?

Keep the timber and shell away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent wood splitting and glue drying. Dust gently with a dry cloth and avoid liquid polishes on the interior silk. Store them in stable indoor environments to preserve the delicate brass stringing and mother of pearl inlay.

Search 0

13,102 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 35 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN

Saved

GIFTS

Mother of Pearl Sewing

35 ITEMS ADDED TODAY

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Mother of Pearl Sewing

21 items · page 2 of 2

← Page 2 of 2 →

Mother of pearl sewing pieces are refined containers and accessories holding needles, threads, and implements, prized for their iridescent shell surfaces.

Regency Silk Lined Workbox of Rosewood and Inlaid Mother of Pearl

19th century

Save

Regency Silk Lined Workbox of Rosewood and Inlaid Mother of Pearl

From Jane Short Antiques

£475

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

Antique English Victorian Papier-mâché Needlework Casket

19th century

Save

Antique English Victorian Papier-mâché Needlework Casket

From Applecross Antiques

£1,295

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

Victorian Silver Strung & Mother of Pearl Inlaid Rosewood Workbox

19th century

Save

Victorian Silver Strung & Mother of Pearl Inlaid Rosewood Workbox

From Y Not Antiques

£475

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

19th century

Save

Early 19th Century Mother of Pearl Necessaire - Original Gold Fittings

From W.R. Harvey & Co. (Antiques) Ltd

£1,975

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

Antique Victorian Rosewood & Mother-of-pearl Jewellery/sewing Box

19th century

Save

Antique Victorian Rosewood & Mother-of-pearl Jewellery/sewing Box

From London City Antiques

£695

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

← 1 2 →

65,656

Antiques For Sale

Antiques Approved Today

2,795

Antique Uploads This Month

443,531

Total Antiques Sold

Mother of Pearl Sewing

Regency Silk Lined Workbox of Rosewood and Inlaid Mother of Pearl

Antique English Victorian Papier-mâché Needlework Casket

Victorian Silver Strung & Mother of Pearl Inlaid Rosewood Workbox

Early 19th Century Mother of Pearl Necessaire - Original Gold Fittings

Antique Victorian Rosewood & Mother-of-pearl Jewellery/sewing Box

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories