Doves on a Hat Porcelain Limoges Box with Hat Inside

Doves trim a lady's hat, a fanciful touch straight out of a spring garden party. Lift the lid and a tiny hat waits inside as a surprise, all of it painted by hand in Limoges, France.

Hats Off to the Doves

Elaborate hats once carried feathers, ribbons and even whole birds, and milliners competed to outdo each other at the races and in church on Sunday. This porcelain version borrows that bold spirit, trading real plumage for painted doves and adding a hidden miniature hat as a wink to the wearer.

A Milliner's Shelf

• Hand-painted porcelain from Limoges, France, with a little hat inside
• Fits a hat, fashion or bird themed collection
• Pairs with purse, shoe, glove and perfume bottle pieces

Derby Day and Beyond

Give it to the friend who never misses a Kentucky Derby party, a bride planning a garden wedding, or anyone with a closet full of hatboxes. On a vanity or dressing table it looks right at home, and it makes a charming conversation piece at a ladies' luncheon or tea.