A tortoiseshell TABATIERE with a central micro-mosaic medallion depicting the ruins of the temple of Minerva Medica encircled in gold plating, surrounded by inlaid scrolls, ivy and ruins in reserves. Work of the late 18th or early 19th century, the mosaic of Roman manufacture. 2 x 10 x 6 cm. Internal crack under the lid. The rich work of inlay creating small pictures of ruins taken up in the chasing and the great quality and finesse of the mosaic evokes the likelihood of a quality workshop such as that of Antonio Aguatti (active in the early nineteenth) or Cesare Aguatti (active in the late eighteenth). Expert : Benoit Bertrand