A stunning pair of carved ivory Dieppe fisherfolk needlecases measuring just shy of 7cm tall. The lady to the left in period Nomandic dress and holding a pair of fish in her right hand and the gentleman to the right holding the same. The lady screws apart and the gentleman pulls apart. Both with what we know as a pipe tamper base.
Dieppe in northern France has long been associated with ivory carvings since the trade that developed with Guinea in the 17th Century. Many exotic materials were imported and Dieppe became an artistic centre.