An unusual Continental porcelain bonbonnière, naturalistically modelled in the form of a lion's head, with an expressive face and flowing mane decorated in shades of brown, ochre and amber. The facial features are finely picked out in coloured enamels, with particular attention to the eyes, muzzle and teeth.
The porcelain is fitted with a hinged metal mount around the base, opening to reveal a white-glazed interior.
Probably German or French, 19th century.
An appealing example of the novelty porcelain bonbonnières popular in Continental Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, produced as small luxury objects for the storage of sweetmeats, snuff or other personal keepsakes.
