Tool (for needlework) (Sewing case)

Description

A fancy sewing case, made of leather and filled with needlework tools. A shell-shaped, hinged case covered in red leather over wood with stamped border outline of gilt leaves; bottom covered with striped and flowered printed cotton in red with yellow, black, and green. There is a fitted mirror inside the lid, framed by a silk pipe cleaner (silk threads on a flexible wire). The interior contains fitted compartments for sewing equipment made of mother-of-pearl, glass, silver, steel and ormolu; the contents are (b & c) two thread spools, (d) scent bottle, (e) thimble, (f) needle case, (g) bodkin, (h) scissors, and (i) a six-pointed, flat, star-like thread winder; j) thimble contains small, oval, inlaid decorative element in metal bearing an enameled flower; similar inlay missing from needle case. Groups of needlework tools in a case are also called etui, style of this case also called palais royale.