Vintage Damascene Egyptian Revival Trinket Box, Black and Gold Inlay Footed Hinged Box with Winged Scarab and Pharaoh

A 1930s damascene box, its matte black ground inlaid with a gold-tone scene from the Egyptian Revival. On the lid, a seated pharaoh holds crook and flail before a spotted, open-jawed beast, with a bird alighting overhead. The sides carry a winged scarab, a falcon, and a reed boat with two seated figures, each hand-chased in fine feather and scale work. Raised on four brass feet, it keeps rings, cards, or small treasures close at hand.

Materials
Blackened iron or steel with gold-tone damascene inlay, brass trim, feet, and interior

Details

• Era: 1930s
• Style / design notes: Egyptian Revival motifs in Japanese damascene (zogan) work; figural scene on lid with cartouche seal, decorated on all four sides
• Stone or material notes: hand-chased gold-tone inlay on matte black ground
• Function: hinged, footed trinket or cigarette box
• Color: black and gold
• Condition: Good vintage condition, with patina and spotting to the brass interior and light wear to the trim and feet
• Measurement: approximately 3.5" x 4.5" x 1.4"

Collected by Mineral and Matter