Necessaire

Small cases called 'necessaires' were used in the 18th century for carrying small items which were necessary for personal grooming. They also sometimes contain sewing equipment and small flat pieces of ivory which were used as note pads.
This necessaire is made from ivory with gold mounts. Each side bears a blue jasper medallion decorated with white jasper sprigging. Inside the necessaire is a pair of scissors, a small spoon perhaps to be used for snuff taking, a small hook and a small scraper like instrument. There is also a small note book made from two flat pieces of ivory.