Chinese-inspired vanity case, circa 1925, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Archives / Vanity in colored mother-of-pearl marquetry by artist Vladimir Makovsky, 1925, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Collection. Photo courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.

Vanity cases offered another ideal surface for Japanese mother-of-pearl marquetry. Many of them were adorned with Far Eastern designs and landscapes. The 1925 green jasper creation is signed by the Russian artist Vladimir Makovsky, who created Van Cleef & Arpels’ most elaborate and impressive vanities. Settled in Paris after many journeys to Asia, he had mastered the art of mother-of-pearl marquetry.