e·tui | ā-ˈtwē
noun
Small cylindrical case that hangs from a chatelaine
Etui is the French word for “case” and refers to a small cylindrical case that contains a number of implements a woman of the 17th-19th century might need in a day, including scissors, needles, pencil, writing tablet, bodkins, or thimble. These cases came in many different shapes, sizes, and styles and were often decorated in enamel with elaborate gilt hinges. While many Etuis were shaped like boxes, there are examples of more fantastical shapes like fingers, legs, shoes, and even vegetables. They were often made with elements of both silver and gold and were worn suspended from a chatelaine. Similar boxes were used by men of the era to carry keys, seals, and watches.
