Shuttle, Japan Lacquer With Gold, Paris, 1750-1756

- Shuttle
- Gold, mother-of-pearl and Japan lacquer panels
- Paris, 1750-1756
- Length: 14 cm; width: 4.6 cm; height: 2.8cm
- Good general condition, a slit mother-of-pearl plate, lacquer cracks and wear

- Shuttle of tatting of Japanese lacquer plates in relief with landscape decorations lined with mother-of-pearl with gold mount.

- Shuttles are used to wind the thread and work it for weaving and lace projects. Thread lace made by hand using this process is called tatting. This use of the shuttle is typical of the 18th century. They allowed the ladies to appear occupied "with a small work and that they had the proper posture", according to Madame de Genlis: a virtuous occupation making it possible to highlight the hands of these ladies. We find an example in the portrait of Madame Adélaïde by Nattier. These shuttles, luxury items just like the snuffbox, were sold by merchants. We find them in all kinds of materials: gold, damascened steel, cut ivory, porcelain, mother-of-pearl, shell,… lacquer.

- Hallmarks: (under the moldings and the central part): fleur-de-lys (?); discharge: hen's head for small works of gold and silver, Paris, 1750-1756