19th Century French Patch Box with delicate floral and mirror.

Round French powder box circa 1880's with a delicate floral pattern on the top and a strongly embossed plant pattern on the bottom. Patch boxes came into use during the 18th century at the court of Louis XV, where the use of “beauty patches” was popular. A beauty patch was made of gummed taffeta and would be posed on the skin as a “beauty mark” that would emphasize a lady’s feature, usually the cheek. Mirror inside. 1.5 inches across, holds 1/4 oz. (7.5 ml) solid perfume of your choice.