S/5408 Antique Treen 19th Century Lignum Vitae Pounce Pot

A pleasing example of a lignum vitae pounce pot of circular tapered waisted form, having a removable top with a wood screw thread, that reveals a vacant interior for storing purposes. 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 and put back into the pounce pot for future use. The whole has a lovely rich dark colour and patination.

Provenance: Desborough Collection

Sold 3¼ in. (8.5 cm.) High
2¼ in. (6 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1840