Designed to be beautiful as well as functional, objects of vertu are small objects created from precious materials either to be admired simply as works of art or, more often, as luxury items with a practical purpose. The subject includes familiar items such as cigarette cases, scent bottles, snuff boxes, fans, vesta cases, card cases and pincushions plus once fashionable accoutrements such as vinaigrettes, etuis and bonbonnières.
They collectively take their name from the ‘virtuosity’ of their craftsmanship - be it a presentation gold and gem set box from Romanov Russia or a Cartier vanity case made for a 1920s Flapper. Sworders enjoyed huge interest when offering a collection of diminutive porcelain scent bottles made by the Chelsea and St James’s factories c.1750s.
With new interest from around the world, and perfectly sized to appeal to collectors tight on space, this area has recently enjoyed a revival.
Our specialists hold regular valuation days. Please contact us for more information, or complete the online form to enquire about the valuation of your items.
Want to know how much your Objects of Vertu may be worth? Fill out our easy to use form and a member of the team will be in touch with free advice shortly.
A collection of African art, photographs and personal items collected by John Rendall (1945-2022) will be offered across two upcoming sales in June.
7 June 2022
A group of twenty-two lots from Paolo Moschino's Antiques & Vintage collection will be offered in our Fine Interiors sale on 14-15 June.
6 June 2022
Did you know that purchasing an antique armchair instead of a newly manufactured armchair can save up to 0.16 tonnes of CO2e from being released into the atmosphere?
1 June 2022
