Of rectangular form, the exterior applied with black and dark green lacquer with a geometric border in reserve, the pushpiece set with a line of rose diamonds, opening to reveal an interior with a mirror and a lidded powder compartment, measuring approximately 80 x 50 x 10mm, numbered, French assay and maker's marks for Jean Trottin.

French assay marks for 18 carat gold, French maker's marks J T for Jean Trottin to frame of mirror, interior of lid, base of compartment and reverse of compartment lid. Numbered 610 to inner compartment and lip of hinged lid. Mirror intact, with small crack to lower left corner. Exterior silver gilt, with areas of discolouration to silver and wear to gilt. Lacquer with some areas of pitting, surfaces scratches and chipping and losses around edges and to hinge. Rose diamonds bright and lively. Pushpiece intact, hinges intact, lids closing securely. Weight approximately 125.1 grams. Overall condition good, with general wear commensurate with age and use.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Jean Trottin was a goldsmith whose collaborations with the jewellery designer Raymond Templier (1891-1968) throughout the 1920s encapsulated some of the most conceptual and abstract expressions of the Art Deco style. Trottin specialised in vanity cases and cigarette boxes, the flat surfaces of which he decorated with bold geometric designs in a number of different media, including polychrome lacquer, bi-coloured metal and textured materials such as lizard skin.

Cf.: Laurence Mouillefarine and Véronique Ristelhueber, Raymond Templier: Le bijou modern, Paris, 2005, pg. 219, for additional examples of lacquered vanity cases designed by Templier and made by Trottin.