Vintage Gold-Tone and Black Powder Compact with Geometric Design, 6.5 cm

Black and gold have always belonged together, and this little compact uses the combination beautifully.

Against the deep black ground, intricate gold geometric and floral decoration creates an almost jewel-like lid, with further ornament around the sides. Turn it over and the reverse is equally considered, finished with a dramatic gold-tone sunburst.

Inside are the original mirror and powder screen.

Approximately 6.5 cm diameter, the compact is unbranded, although its styling is consistent with mid-century vanity pieces from around the 1950s–60s.

There are minor marks from previous use, but the strong contrast between black and gold remains wonderfully effective.

It has the feel of a little evening accessory rather than an everyday object — dark, decorative and just glamorous enough to imagine appearing from a handbag beneath the lights of a cocktail bar.