Lot 179

James Morisset, England, 63 x 28 x 15 mm, 26 g, circa 1800
An extremely fine and rare gold enamel scent flask made by one of the most famous goldsmiths in England in the last quarter of the eighteenth century
Case: gold enamel, oval base with maker's mark "JM", amphora shape. Both sides with oval enamel vignettes with very fine "en grisaille" scenes of playing putti, framed by a white gold Champlevé border. Body with engine-turned pattern and cobalt blue enamelling, at the bottom and shoulders two green enamel rosettes with engraved gold decor. The srewed gold and enamel lid with green and white enamel swirls.
James Morisset (1738–1815), was a famous goldsmith of Huguenot descent. The name of James Morisset is inextricably associated with the finest examples of Applied Art in enamels and precious metals and stones to have been produced in England in the last quarter of the eighteenth century. James Morisset crafted presentation swords and snuff boxes, and many of his works remain today held by the Queen of England, in Museums or in private collections.
Morisset's swords were influential, hilt in gold or gilt silver and set with coloured enamels. The majority were created for presentation to British Naval Officers during the Napoleonic wars.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Thomas_Morisset, as of 04/01/2016.

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