Étui 1745 - 1765

This étui, or case, was made by Pierre Claude Mothé, a French craftsman, likely sometime in the 18th century. It's crafted primarily from dark, possibly stained tortoiseshell, with silver mounts adding a touch of refinement. The material itself speaks to the period's global trade networks; tortoiseshell was a luxury good, sourced from distant lands, and highly prized for its mottled appearance and workability. The surface is decorated with delicate engravings of birds amidst foliage, filled with a contrasting material – perhaps mother-of-pearl or a similar substance – to create a shimmering effect. Consider the labor involved: from the harvesting and preparation of the tortoiseshell, to the intricate engraving and inlay work, and finally the crafting of the silver mounts. It's a testament to the specialized skills of artisans who transformed raw materials into objects of beauty and status. Objects like these remind us that "art" doesn't just happen – it's the result of human skill, embedded within networks of making and exchange.