A gold, enamel and gem-set miniature pilgrim flask, probably English, circa 1660.

This lovely little flask, 7cm high, of white ribbed royal blue enamel, enriched with silver mounts set with rose cut diamonds was part of an immense bequest to Anne, Countess of Exeter from her mother the Countess of Devonshire. The 1690 Devonshire Schedule recorded the contents of the Countess’s suite of private apartments at Chatsworth, including amongst a list of ‘Gold Things’: ‘A Blue and White Enamel’d Bottle Transparant in Ribbs with Gold Chaine sett around with Diamonds top and Bottome’.