This object is part of a 26-piece toilet service, originally contained in a travelling case. At a time when travelling was a carefully planned operation, with long-distance journeys taking weeks or months, silver and gold vessels were an essential part of luggage for those who could afford it. The toilet, that is to say the process of rising and dressing by royalty and aristocracy, became a ceremony in the 17th century, and the first social event of the day. This was carried on despite the rigours of travel.

Tobias Baur was one of Augsburg’s leading makers of travelling toilet services during the 17th century and many of his services survive: the largest of which contains ninety-one pieces and is in the Residenzmuseum, Munich. Many of the pieces are decorated with enamel miniatures of putti in landscapes. Although unsigned, it is believed that these enamelled miniatures were supplied by the Fromery workshop 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.