Harmony Kingdom Major's Mousers Treasure Jest Box

Collectibles : Decorative Arts : Harmony Kingdom : Figurine Box

 

The UK based Harmony Kingdom began making the Treasure Jest boxes in the early 1990's. They have quickly become highly collectible. The boxes are intricate carvings by master artists made of crushed marble and resin to resemble antique ivory. The Treasure Jests are a humorous line often with secret images or markings that have meaning to artist's life. "Major's Mousers" is a figurine box of 5 "senior citizen" alley cats and 3 kittens lying on top with a little mouse (the artist's trademark) peeking out. One of the cats is reportedly in the likeness of the former Prime Minister John Major. It was carved by master carver Peter Calvesbert in 1995, whose initials are carved on the base. Only 9372 boxes were issued, then the piece was retired on 6/1/1997, a month prior to John Major's retirement. The dimensions of the piece are 2.87 x 2.83 x 3.07 inches. The model number is TJCA4. Major's Mousers is referenced in the 9th edition Price Guide to Contemporary Collectibles and Limited editions by Mary L. Sieber with a trend price of $150. This one is more reasonably priced and comes with it's original box and an insert with the artist bio. Excellent condition. The small area which looks chipped at the base in the photo is actually a tiny drop of the dark brown stain, not a chip or flake.

Item ID: 1303