{"title":"Curiosities","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"mottahedeh-museum-vintage-bronze-spill-box-engraved-acanthus-scrollwork-india","title":"Vintage Mottahedeh Museum Reproductions 1970s Mottahedeh Bronze Hinged Pill Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eMottahedeh made these as faithful reproductions of 18th-century English box forms — the lid inscription \"Take a Pinch and Welcome\" is lifted directly from the original snuff-box tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small hinged pill box in cast and engraved bronze, produced in India for Mottahedeh Museum Reproductions. The exterior is covered in deeply cut scrollwork on all surfaces, with chamfered corners and a scalloped edge profile. The interior is plain unlined bronze with a thumb-lift catch on the lid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMottahedeh was a US design house that partnered with museums including the Smithsonian and Colonial Williamsburg to produce faithful reproductions. This piece dates to the 1970s–1980s based on the blue diamond label style and production origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall enough to sit on a desk, nightstand, or dressing table. Holds daily pills, rings, small earrings, or paper notes. The engraved surface catches raking light and reads well alongside books and natural materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Pill box (museum reproduction)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEra: 1970s–1980s (Mottahedeh Museum Reproductions)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin: India\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 7 × 5 × 2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarked: Yes — \"Museum Mottahedeh Reproductions\" and \"Made in India\" labels on base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClosure: Hinged lid with thumb-lift catch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood · Interior shows light scratching and age patina consistent with use; exterior engraving sharp and well-preserved; hinge functional.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mottahedeh Museum Reproductions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53865032876369,"sku":"RR-0217","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0846\/6667\/9633\/files\/2026-05-26_09.45.00.jpg?v=1779788771"},{"product_id":"vintage-gold-tone-enamel-pill-box-nazareth-israel-holy-land-souvenir-religious","title":"Vintage 1970s Gold-Tone Enamel Pill Box Nazareth Israel Holy Land Souvenir UK","description":"\u003cp\u003eSouvenir pill boxes from pilgrimage sites are the kind of small functional object that tends to survive intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature square pill box in gold-tone metal, the lid inset with an enamel plaque depicting a domed basilica against a white ground, framed by a dark navy border with gold leaf detail. The word \"NAZARETH\" is printed across the base of the image — this is almost certainly the Basilica of the Annunciation, the principal landmark of Nazareth, Israel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe base has an engine-turned diamond crosshatch texture. Interior holds a white plastic two-compartment pill insert and a small mirror on the base. Snap-close push-button clasp on the side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSits well on a dressing table, desk, or nightstand. The two compartments fit daily tablets comfortably; the mirror is useable. Would also read as a travel trinket or a small collectible for anyone with an interest in Holy Land souvenirs or religious keepsakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Pill box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEra: 1970s–1980s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Gold-tone metal, enamel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterior: White plastic two-compartment insert, mirror on base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 4 × 4 × 1 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMechanism: Push-button snap clasp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarked: No visible marks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyle: Religious, souvenir\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent · Enamel plaque intact with no chips, clasp functions, mirror clear, interior insert undamaged.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Rare Room","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53887619268945,"sku":"RR-0220","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0846\/6667\/9633\/files\/2026-05-27_18.21.04.jpg?v=1779913067"},{"product_id":"vintage-gold-tone-enamel-pill-box-sea-of-galilee-holy-land-souvenir-religious","title":"Vintage 1970s Gold-Tone Enamel Pill Box Sea Of Galilee Holy Land Souvenir Pin","description":"\u003cp\u003eSea of Galilee souvenir pill boxes in this condition — enamel intact, hinge working — are not easy to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small round hinged pill box in gold-tone metal, the lid decorated with a white enamel medallion depicting two fish flanking a boat, inscribed \"Sea of Galilee\". The border is blue enamel with a gold scroll pattern. The base has a fine engine-turned diamond pattern. Interior holds a white ceramic pill bowl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLikely made in Israel for the tourist and pilgrimage trade, 1970s–1980s — a type sold widely around holy sites in this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSits well on a dressing table or desk as a small display piece. Holds a few rings, small earrings, or pills. The kind of object that tells a story without needing much space — a palm-sized souvenir that doubles as a trinket keeper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Pill box (hinged)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEra: 1970s–1980s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin: Israel (Holy Land souvenir)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Gold-tone metal, enamel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStones: Blue and white enamel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 4 × 4 × 1 cm (diameter × height)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarked: \"Sea of Galilee\" inscribed on lid enamel; no maker's mark on base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyle: Religious, figural\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent · Enamel intact, hinge functions smoothly, no chips or losses, interior ceramic bowl clean.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Rare Room","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53887664750929,"sku":"RR-0221","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0846\/6667\/9633\/files\/2026-05-27_18.22.00.jpg?v=1779913307"},{"product_id":"vintage-natural-wicker-shopping-basket-tall-arched-handle-woven-round-display","title":"Vintage Natural Wicker Shopping Basket Tall Arched Handle Woven Round Display","description":"\u003cp\u003eWicker baskets with this kind of tall arched handle are increasingly hard to find in good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA round woven wicker basket with a generous arched carry handle, natural two-tone honey and cream construction. The base measures approximately 23 cm across and stands 16 cm deep, with the handle adding considerable height — practical for carrying and sculptural when set down empty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe weave is tight and even throughout, with a slightly darker binding at the rim and handle wrap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorks as a display piece on a kitchen counter, dresser, or side table. Holds fruit, bread, yarn, correspondence — or simply sits as a textural object in a room that needs something warm and natural. The scale is generous enough to anchor a tablescape without overwhelming a shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Wicker basket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEra: Mid-century (to be confirmed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Woven wicker\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 23 × 23 × 16 cm (basket) — handle height approx. 35 cm total\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarked: Not visible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyle: Rustic, natural\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent · Weave fully intact, no broken strands, handle firm and secure.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Rare Room","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53896909685073,"sku":"RR-0238","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0846\/6667\/9633\/files\/2026-05-28_12.54.47.jpg?v=1779991261"},{"product_id":"vintage-gold-tone-religious-pill-box-saint-portrait-dome-engraved-scrollwork-70s","title":"Vintage 1970s Gold-Tone Religious Pill Box Saint Portrait Dome Engraved Retro","description":"\u003cp\u003eSmall devotional pill boxes like this one were made in their thousands, but finding one with the glass dome intact and the engraving still crisp is not common.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA circular gold-tone metal pill box, approximately 3 × 3 × 2 cm, with a hinged lid. The lid is set with a domed glass or resin insert over a printed devotional portrait — a robed saint with a halo holding a child, rendered in warm sepia tones. A rope-twist border frames the dome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe base and sides are covered in hand-engraved scrollwork: a symmetrical foliate medallion on the base, and swirling foliate bands around the sides. The interior holds a white foam insert with one compartment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall enough to carry in a coat pocket or sit in a bedside drawer. Works as a ring holder on a dressing table, a small trinket keeper, or a devotional keepsake. The scale is desk-object rather than display-shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Pill box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEra: 1970s–1980s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Gold-tone metal, glass dome insert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 3 × 3 × 2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarked: No\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyle: Devotional, religious souvenir\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent · Hinge functions smoothly, glass dome intact, engraving crisp, foam insert clean.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Rare Room","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53903334965585,"sku":"RR-0262","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0846\/6667\/9633\/files\/2026-05-29_12.05.51.jpg?v=1780057655"},{"product_id":"vintage-1960s-purple-velvet-evening-clutch-gold-tone-ornate-frame-clasp-chain","title":"Vintage 1960s Purple Velvet Evening Clutch Gold-Tone Ornate Frame Clasp Chain","description":"\u003cp\u003ePurple velvet evening bags with ornate gold-tone frames are not easy to find in this condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 1960s gathered velvet clutch in deep violet, with a rectangular gold-tone frame trimmed in a repeating incised pattern and set with round pearl beads at the clasp and sides. The chain handle is 24 cm — long enough to loop over the wrist. The interior is lined in cream fabric with a central pocket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe filigree clasp centrepiece is the standout detail: a hinged gold-tone ornament set with a large pearl bead, flanked by smaller ones along each side of the frame. The pearl beads have a smooth uniform lustre — possibly genuine (tooth test suggests real), though not verified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe size is right for an evening out: fits a phone, cards, and lipstick with room to spare. Works for a theatrical look at a wedding or formal event, and equally well as a display piece on a dressing table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Evening clutch bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEra: 1960s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Velvet body, gold-tone metal frame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterior: Cream fabric lining, central pocket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClosure: Ornate filigree frame clasp with pearl bead\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandle: Chain, 24 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 16 × 15 × 2 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarked: No visible maker's mark\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyle: Ornate, Victorian-revival\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery Good · Exterior velvet intact with light surface wear; interior lining shows age discolouration consistent with storage; frame and clasp functional.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Rare Room","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53949204365649,"sku":"RR-0314","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0846\/6667\/9633\/files\/2026-06-03_13.03.45-1.jpg?v=1780525291"}],"url":"https:\/\/therareroom.co.uk\/collections\/curiosities.oembed","provider":"The Rare Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}