This box is fitted with a mirror under the lid and with several smaller boxes of differing sizes, to contain the equipment and materials needed for make-up. At the time it was made, the 'toilet' or routine of hairdressing and making up, could be a semi-public occasion, with close friends sitting about and chatting to the person being made ready. The box was made in Spa, a town in modern Belgium. Spa had been famous since the 14th century for its healing springs and was a town which attracted many visitors, from the late 17th century onwards. As in most tourist towns, craftsmen soon spotted a market for trinkets and souvenirs. Spa became noted for its boxes. In the 17th century it produced boxes inlaid with mother-of-pearl, then in the 18th century moved on to boxes painted in varnish in imitation of Asian lacquer, like this one. The subject matter, however, is decidedly European and shows sentimental scenes of lovers - very appropriate for pieces which were often bought as presents. It is unusal to be able to identify the maker of the box by name, but unfortunately we do not know any more about Vincent Rousseau.