An art Deco lacquer mother-of-pearl, coral and ruby compact, by Cartier, circa 1925
of circular form, the hinged cover, the border of wich decorated with a gold geometric design set with cabochon rubies, is decorated with a round laquer plate inlaid with mother-of- pearl, gold and silver, depicting a rural landscape where a peasant is heading for work in the fields leading an ox by a halter, while a female figure under a pergola is intent on her weaving; the base, similarly decorated, represents a richly dressed female figure accompanied by a male servant who is protecting her from the sun with a parasol. The sides are decorated with white mother-of-pearl and red coral lozenges; the interior encloses a mirror and mother-of-pearl openwork powder puff rest, signed Cartier, Paris, Londres, New York, made in France, n. 9977, gold mark , 5.5 cm wide
Cfr. Hans Nadelhoffer, Cartier, London 1984, pl. 38