A rare Meissen thimble case or patch box

A rare Meissen thimble case or patch box, c.1745-50, the sides painted with a continuous harbour scene or kauffahrtei, depicting figures and boats at the quayside, both sides of the hinged cover with similar decoration, with contemporary silver-gilt mounts, 3.1cm across.

Provenance: a private collection. Purchased Christie's, London, 8th November 1999, lot 293.