The coral body of this charming little flask is carved in imitation of basketweave; the lid finely enamelled with pansies, daffodils and eglantines, 3.8cm.
It is probably Italian and would originally have been used as a scent bottle.
It appears in the 1690 Devonshire Schedule, or Deed of Gift, an inventory recording a large bequest received by Anne, Countess of Exeter (1649-1703), from her mother Elizabeth, Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689).
The inventory lists: ‘A Little Corall Bottle and Topp Gold Enamel’d.’
