Although a vast number of mother-of-pearl cases were made from the 1830s to the 1880s, the majority comprised small shapes of pearl applied in various geometric designs over a wooden carcass.
 

This was partly a measure of economy but also reflected the nature of the raw material; the sheets of pearl or nacre were generally no larger than 8cm by 15cm and lacked the pliability of other materials such as tortoiseshell, making them more difficult to cut and carve.

So this mother-of-pearl case with its shaped outline, carved central image, engraved decoration and inlaid birds of abalone is as rare as it is stunning.

This case was sold by Bonhams in April 2007. An identical (if not the same) case appears in 'Visiting Card Cases' by Noel Riley (figure 77) where it is erroneously described as having a central panel of Shibayama decoration.

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