Bronze Age Gold from Wales

Oval in section, detachable fitted lid, slightly convex. Circular recess to centre of lid. The exterior with dark tortoiseshell japan, the interior japanned black. Inscription to recess within a continuous band of small circles, all in gilt. Black japan to underside of base.

This tobacco box was made at the Allgood family's japanning works at Pontypool. The box is inscribed Jas Curtice / WELLS / 1749 and is one of the earliest known documentary pieces of japanned ware.