This tortoiseshell box, which depicts putti playing in a fountain, is set with a number of precious materials. The scrolling pilasters and stylised shells are rendered in gold, the putti are depicted in ivory and mother of pearl is used for the fountain. Lapis lazuli and malachite add colour to the scene. The rococo ornament upon this box can be associated with artists working in Southern Germany, particularly Bavaria. However, the movement of styles and artists in this period makes it quite possible that the box was made in Berlin.

Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world’s great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.