A late 18^th century gilt metal carnet-de-bal (souvenir d'amitié), circa 1775

Of tapering rectangular form, with died rolled mounts of trailing laurel leaves. Each side with a gouache painted bucolic scene of figures by trees, one signed JB 1774, the hinged lid with painted sections reading SOUVENIR and D’AMITIE. The interior with a pierced ivory aide-mémoire sheath.

Length – 10.2 cm / 4 inches