Nécessaire

Pinchbeck Necessary Box from a Châtelaine.

Typical Rococo Necessity Box, c.1750.

nécessaire is a receptacle for items considered to be required for everyday life. These could be ordinary items such as a knife or other eating utensil in a leather case or it could be an elaborate container, made from precious metals, secreting such items as manicure utensils or a sewing kit. Small decorative cases designed to hold miniature implements are also sometimes referred to as étui.