Dimensions Overall (confirmed): 3 3/8 × 3 9/16 × 2 1/8 in. (8.6 × 9 × 5.4 cm); Overall (.128b–e): 1 1/16 x 1 x 13/16 in. (2.7 x 2.5 x 2.1 cm); Overall (.128f): 15/16 x 7/8 x 13/16 in. (2.4 x 2.2 x 2.1 cm); Overall (.128g, h): 3/4 x 1 3/8 x 15/16 in. (1.9 x 3.5 x 2.4 cm); Overall (.128i): 1 1/8 x 2 7/8 x 7/8 in. (2.9 x 7.3 x 2.2 cm); Overall (.128j–m, each): 2 13/16 in. (7.1 cm); Overall (.128n): 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); Overall (.128o): 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm)
This *nécessaire* was made in London by James Cox in the 18th century. It is crafted from gold, silver, and agate, adorned with emeralds and rubies. Its function was to contain all things considered essential for personal grooming. The *nécessaire*’s elaborate design and precious materials speak volumes about the culture of luxury and status in 18th-century Europe. Notice the striking contrast between the raw, natural agate and the meticulously worked precious metals. The agate stones, each unique with dendritic patterns, are juxtaposed with the refined brilliance of gold and silver. The overall effect is one of controlled opulence. Consider the labor involved. From the mining of the materials to the goldsmith's shaping and gem-setting, each step required specialized skills. This *nécessaire* represents the height of consumer culture. It blurs the boundaries between art, craft, and commerce, asking us to consider the social and economic forces that shaped its creation.
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