The shape, decoration and cutting of the hardstones of this box place it within the group of jewelled boxes associated with Frederick II, the Great of Prussia (ruled 1740-86). He was a cultivated admirer of the arts and a gifted musician, composer and linguist. He was passionately interested in gold boxes, and took a keen interest in their design. He carried a box at all times: one is even said to have saved his life by deflecting a bullet during a battle.

While traditionally catalogued as black marble, this snuffbox was identified as being made of petrified wood by Johanna Whalley. In the late 18th century, the discovery of a large forest of petrified trees in Saxony (Germany) triggered a renewed interest in the material and its use in luxury creations. Empress Maria Teresa of Austria (r. 1740-1780) for instance owned a collection of petrified wood objects which she bequeathed to her daughter Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, such as gilt bronze mounted gueridon (Louvre Museum, V4324). She also presented a pair of gilt bronze mounted vases to her son in law Louis XVI (Louvre Museum, T517c).

Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world’s great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.