Typical of needlework accessories made in Canton area of China for European market. Made to hold needles which were expensive tools By late 18th century, needle making had achieved the ability to produce very fine needles which needed to be protected. Cylindrical carved ivory needlecase. Screw cap.Bas relief carving design with butterflies and flowers needleholder, ivory

Typical of ivory needlecase made in China for workboxes for sale to visiting Europeans 1840'sTypical of ivory needlecase made in China for workboxes for sale to visiting Europeans 1840'sCarved chinese ivory needlecase with screw lid

English ivory needlecase made when sewing needles when needles were expensiv - needle work accessory to demonstrate owner's wealthThis style of motifs was popular for carved needlework accessories in 19th century. Dots and circles are created by pressing hot coloured wax into dots and circles carved into the ivory. Cylindrical ivory needlecase with incised pattern of black circles and dots. Both ends have seven bands on the tapered ends. unscrews near the middle.Decorative style of black dots and circles now known as 'madras work' or 'dot and circle decoration. needleholder, anglo_indian

French port of Dieppe (trading with French colonies in Africa) produced exquisitely carved ivory needlework tools such as this one in late 18th cenury and early 19th century Functional and luxurious needlework tool produced in Dieppe area of France where very beautifully carved ivory became status symbol quality needlework toolsIvory pea pod shaped needle case which separates into two pieaces. Stalk end on pod is intact.ivory pea pod needlecase, ivory needlecase