S/2375 Antique Treen 19th Century Lignum Vitae Pounce Pot

A fine lignum vitae pounce pot of an unusual large size in both heart and sap wood. Early pounce was made of powdered cuttlefish or pumice and was mixed with sandarach resin. Later it was made of powdered sandarach, which was sprinkled onto the paper and the resin was rubbed in to prevent it from spreading. It was used instead of blotting paper, which had not yet been invented. After use it was returned via the bowl and put back into the pounce pot for future use. The whole has a lovely rich colour and patination.

Sold 4 in. (10 cm.) High
4 in. (10 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1820