18th century AD. A gold-inlaid tortoiseshell writing-desk set comprising: a tray with knob feet, bands of gold-inlaid vines to the rim and border, hatched central panel with four raised roundels; matching sand-shaker with ribbed body, lid with knop handle, pierced inner plate; three matching inkwells each with knop-handled lid, gilt-metal inner sleeve; two dip-pens, each with geometric gold inlay. Property of an Essex gentleman; inherited from Dr James Hasson of Harley Street, London; acquired before 1950. Dr James Hasson (1892-1979) came to England from Alexandria in the 1920s, having qualified in Geneva; he was physician to Charles De Gaulle and the Free French Forces during WW2; a consultant to Christie's on Italian Renaissance art during the 1930s-1950s, a collector of fine art and author of several books, including The Banquet of the Immortals, London, 1948. Gold-inlaid tortoiseshell became a favoured artistic medium of the Italian craftsmen during the 16th century; the fashion spread throughout Europe and lasted for two centuries or more. 286 grams total, tray: 23.5cm overall (9 1/4"). [7, export outside EU subject to CITES]

Fine condition; minor repair; one pen lacking its nib-holder and nib. Rare.