Antique c1930 Art Deco Faux Tortoiseshell Pill Snuff Box Silver Musician Plaque

A striking early twentieth-century small box, dating to approximately 1930 and made from richly mottled faux tortoiseshell-effect material. Its compact rounded-square form, softly domed lid and deep amber, honey and dark brown colouring give it an unusually warm, almost jewel-like appearance.

The lid is centred by a raised rectangular plaque, unmarked but professionally tested as silver. Worked in repoussé and chased detail, it depicts stylised Eastern dancers or mythological figures surrounded by dense scrolling foliage and ornamental forms. The design has a strong Southeast Asian character, possibly Burmese, although the precise regional origin cannot be confirmed without a maker’s mark. Unmarked silver decorated with dancers, legendary figures and narrative scenes was widely produced in Burmese and neighbouring Southeast Asian workshops during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The silver panel is particularly detailed for its small size, with raised headdresses, flowing costume, expressive movement and a richly worked floral border. Its softly aged silver surface contrasts beautifully with the dark polished body.

The lid lifts completely from the base and continues to fit closely. Inside, the translucent faux tortoiseshell effect is especially attractive, revealing layers of amber, cream and deep brown beneath the polished surface. The composition has not been chemically tested, but its moulded construction and finish are consistent with early twentieth-century imitation tortoiseshell materials. Comparable faux tortoiseshell decorative boxes were fashionable during the interwar period.

The box remains in very good vintage order, with fine surface scratches, scattered small marks and gentle rubbing consistent with age. The silver-tested plaque remains firmly attached, the lid fits correctly and there are no obvious major cracks or losses visible.

An unusual and highly tactile small box combining luminous faux tortoiseshell colouring with a finely worked silver Eastern figural scene. Its compact proportions and intricate decoration give it considerably more character than a conventional plain pill or keepsake box.

Size: c. 4cm x 5cm x 3cm

*Please go to our shop on Ebay for other similar items, we can also look to combine postage where possible