Two peacocks perch amongst delicate foliage on the lid of this beautiful Kigu, their jewel-like colours glowing against the soft yellow enamel.

The unusual yellow ground gives the design a warmth quite different from the darker enamels more often seen, while a scalloped gold-tone border frames the scene almost like a tiny picture.

The round case measures approximately 8 cm diameter. Turn it over and the reverse carries Kigu’s characteristic engine-turned decoration; inside are the original mirror and mesh sifter.

It has survived beautifully. The peacocks remain vivid and detailed, the mirror and sifter are present and both hinge and clasp are secure.

There is something wonderfully romantic about peacocks on a vintage vanity piece — extravagant, colourful and just a little exotic. Framed in gold and preserved on this little Kigu, they make an everyday compact feel like a miniature work of art.