Description
Elizabeth Arden Treasures of the Pharaohs Cleopatra’s Cat Porcelain Trinket Box c.1982
Elizabeth Arden “Treasures of the Pharaohs” Cleopatra’s Cat porcelain trinket box, produced in Japan and dating to approximately 1982. This elegant decorative piece combines the glamour of the early 1980s Egyptian Revival movement with stylized ancient Egyptian imagery inspired by Bastet, the revered feline goddess associated with protection, grace, and mystery.
The piece takes the form of a seated cat atop a hidden lidded compartment, transforming a functional trinket box into a sculptural decorative object. The clean white porcelain body is accented with vivid Egyptian-inspired ornament in cobalt blue, turquoise, red, green, and gilt decoration, giving the piece a strong visual connection to the Art Deco and Egyptomania influences that resurfaced prominently during the late twentieth century.
Cleopatra’s Cat and Egyptian Revival Design
The seated feline form clearly references Bastet imagery from ancient Egypt, where cats symbolized both domestic protection and divine power. Rather than reproducing archaeological forms directly, Elizabeth Arden adapted these influences into a refined decorative object intended for vanity display and luxury gifting.
The geometric collar motifs and repeating architectural border around the base draw inspiration from Egyptian temple ornament and stylized lotus designs, while the glossy white porcelain body creates a cleaner modern interpretation suitable for 1980s luxury interiors.
Unlike many novelty vanity objects of the period, this example has a more sculptural presentation, especially when closed, with the hidden compartment integrated discreetly into the pedestal base.
Elizabeth Arden and the “Treasures of the Pharaohs” Collection
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Egyptian-inspired luxury packaging and decorative accessories became highly fashionable once again, influenced by continuing fascination with Tutankhamun exhibitions, Art Deco revival aesthetics, and Hollywood interpretations of ancient Egypt.
Elizabeth Arden introduced “Treasures of the Pharaohs” as part of this broader revival, producing decorative vanity objects and presentation pieces that combined cosmetic luxury with collectible display appeal. Pieces from the collection are increasingly appreciated today not only as vanity accessories, but also as examples of late twentieth-century Egyptomania design.
The underside retains its original label indicating Japanese manufacture.
Condition
Very good vintage condition with no cracks, chips, or repairs observed. The painted and gilt decoration remains bright and well preserved for its age with only minimal light wear consistent with careful display and storage.
