Designed to be beautiful as well as functional, objects of vertu are small objects created from precious materials either to be admired simply as works of art or, more often, as luxury items with a practical purpose. The subject includes familiar items such as cigarette cases, scent bottles, snuff boxes, fans, vesta cases, card cases and pincushions plus once fashionable accoutrements such as vinaigrettes, etuis and bonbonnières.
They collectively take their name from the ‘virtuosity’ of their craftsmanship - be it a presentation gold and gem set box from Romanov Russia or a Cartier vanity case made for a 1920s Flapper. Sworders enjoyed huge interest when offering a collection of diminutive porcelain scent bottles made by the Chelsea and St James’s factories c.1750s.
With new interest from around the world, and perfectly sized to appeal to collectors tight on space, this area has recently enjoyed a revival.
Our specialists hold regular valuation days. Please contact us for more information, or complete the online form to enquire about the valuation of your items.
Want to know how much your Objects of Vertu may be worth? Fill out our easy to use form and a member of the team will be in touch with free advice shortly.
Thoughtfully curated works from a Chester Jones designed interior will be offered in the upcoming 25 & 26 March Fine Interiors sale. Further treasures from the collection will then appear in Sworders’ Modern & Contemporary Art, Design, and Old Master, British and European Art auctions.
13 March 2025
We are delighted to present Paul Atkinson | The Nomadic Collector, a two-day sale at Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers on 13 and 14 May 2025. This remarkable collection, spanning continents and centuries, reflects Paul’s insatiable curiosity and lifelong passion for dealing, with highlights including Grand Tour bronzes, Anglo-Indian carvings, Ottoman swords, African tribal masks, and European furniture.
11 March 2025
Leading the 25 & 26 March Fine Interiors auction are the selected contents of Tile Barn, Northamptonshire, former home of Charles Edwards and Julia Boston.
31 January 2025
