Auguste Riffaterre Pâte-sur-Pâte Box with Fairy

Pâte-sur-pâte: “Paste on paste” porcelain designs are executed painstakingly with many layers of white slip painted onto an unfired base, carved away for fine details when dry, then eventually fired. A lot of work went into this tiny little fairy, nestled cozily into the lid of this splendid brass box. It dates to around 1890-1920 with a moss green velvet interior. The porcelain disc is signed Auguste Riffaterre: Look up the name to see even more exquisite pâte-sur-pâte decorative objects!  Condition is overall very good with a few tiny green spots on the lid and minor wear to the hinge, as shown.