The Museu do Caramulo’s art collection has just added a century-old silver and gold ‘travel bag’ toilet box to its holdings.
Donated by Eduardo José Salgado Costa Duarte, this toilette box, which comes from Switzerland and dates from between the 19th and 20th centuries, is distinguished by its engraved decoration, enamel work and precious stone setting — turquoise, rubies, sapphires, chrysoberyls, emeralds and diamonds — highlighting the high technical level and refinement of European goldsmithing at the time.
The symbolic decoration is particularly significant, consisting of a set of heraldic and allegorical icons whose meaning refers to different dynastic traditions. These include the salamander, a symbol historically associated with the Valois dynasty; the yellow flag with the black eagle, associated with the Crown Prince of Prussia; and, on the back of the box, the coat of arms of Queen Amelia of Orléans and Braganza.
On the outside, the signature ‘Albert Rocher Worthy’ confirms the authorship and personalisation of the piece, underlining its exclusive nature. Inside, it features a mirror and three compartments, accompanied by the inscription ‘Berne le 5 Juin 1915 – Kronprinz’.
Its inclusion in the Museu do Caramulo’s collection enriches its Decorative Arts section, allowing the public to appreciate the aesthetic sophistication, technical care and social prestige associated with this type of jewellery.
