Unknown Maker
Box in form of a Moor's head; hinged cover; box and cover carved from single pieces of amethyst quartz in such a way that the natural white portions of the stone form the turban; surface highly polished except that hair is mat cut; eyes of moonstone with platinum (?) pupils at front and on left side of turban, applied floral ornaments set with rubies, turquoise and diamonds in gold and silver mounts; earrings each set with a rose diamond and small cabochon emerald; gold rims of box and cover carved with flame moldings and small scrolled thumb-piece.
Credit: Gift of Anonymous Donor
mid-18th century
Amethyst, gold, silver, cut diamonds, rubies, emeralds, turquoise, moonstone, platinum
1967-48-19
Image and text © Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2020
Permanent collection