S/5841 Antique Treen Late 18th Century Boxwood Pounce Pot

A good example of a late 18th century boxwood pounce pot, having a saucer shaped top with small holes in the shape of a star for sprinkling the pounce. This was made up of fine powder from ground cuttle fish bone and chalk or fine alum. It was then spread onto rough parchment to make it smooth for writing and then used to dry the ink.

These pounce pots were often made from laburnum or lignum vitae, and it is pleasing to find such a good example in boxwood. The whole has a lovely colour and patination.

Sold 2¾ in. (7 cm.) High
2¾ in. (7 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1790