Arts and Crafts Alexander Ritchie Iona Glasgow Brass Matchbox Cover.
 
A beautiful and rare example of an Arts and Crafts hand hammered matchbox cover by Alexander Ritchie of Iona c. 1900.
 
Decorated with typical Ritchie stylised Celtic plant motifs, this is a rare example of Arts and Crafts Scottish metalwork. The matchbox cover is beautifully executed with the intricate match strike surface indentations between the plant motifs.
 
It is typically unsigned as are most items by Ritchie.
 
Ref: For further examples see 'Iona Celtic Art, the work of Alexander and Euphemia Ritchie' by E. Mairi MacArthur.
 
Size: 6cm high x 3.8cm wide x 2cm deep.
 
Date: circa 1900.
 
Condition: In superb original condition retaining its metallic patina.