This ornate needle case is carved with beautiful detail and it has a lovely old patina and grain pattern. It's decorated with birds, butterflies and a twinging dragon on a ground of clouds. The top and bottom are in the form of sunflowers. It was carved in China in the early 19th century for an English workbox.

Aside fron a couple of tiny and very fine age cracks in the ivory, the condition is excellent with no chips or loss and it screws together perfectly. It measures 3 3/4" long. This style of needlecase is shown on p. 84 of Nerylla Taunton's book Antique Needlework Tools.