Three MCM Italian Alabaster and Brass Claw Dolphin Footed Lidded Jewelry Boxes

Very decorative 1960s Italian hand carved orange alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi. Consists of a heavy ashtray, also very useful as trinket dish or vide-poche. A table lighter (which also fits a wax tea light candle). And a very pretty lidded hinged box, which originally would have held cigarettes but also could be used to keep jewellery or little treasures in. Cigarette sales peaked in the 20th century, people were allowed to smoke in the office, the cinema, at restaurants, indoors and outdoors. Once women were able to smoke freely, smoking became a social norm and in general it was considered an act of elegance and sophistication. Businessmen in the 1960s were rarely seen without a cigarette in their hand. So needles to say you needed pretty smoking accessories...

Clover or quartreform shaped mid-19th century Chinese canton export tea caddy in gold lacquered wood on a black background. Decorated with palace scenes...

A three tier alabaster trinket box with gold metal trim. The top box with a hinged lid and each nesting into the one below. One bearing a partial foil sticker indicating made in Ital...

Remarkable set of three ceramic pieces with different decorations. Two pieces feature matching lids. Size refers to the tallest piece.