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.
The Fine Interiors team are extremely pleased to present a selection of over one hundred items from Comforts Place in Surrey; an Elizabethan manor house which expertly bridges both traditional furniture and contemporary style.
6 June 2024
In our upcoming sale, we are incredibly pleased to offer an 18th century etched glass mirror consigned by Eliza and once owned by her great-grandmother, the renowned British poet, critic, and scholar Kathleen Raine CBE.
5 June 2024
Sworders are pleased to offer select items from the Hertford collector David Morris (1946-2021) in our Fine Interiors sale on 11 & 12 June.
30 May 2024
