Snuff Box
1820-1880 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Snuff, or powdered tobacco, was widely popular throughout Europe from the 17th century. Sniffed from the back of the hand, pinched fingers or from a spoon, snuff taking was enjoyed at social occasions and would be placed on the table or passed around a group. Thousands of small portable boxes to contain the powder, were made as personal accessories, often in novel designs, to be given as gifts. Decoration varied from the most expensive in jewelled gold and silver, to much more modest boxes, such as this, carved in wood.
Shoe and boot shaped snuff boxes were made throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Shoes have long been associated with love and marriage and were often given for good luck. This carved mahogany snuff box is decorated with brass piqué work taking the form of a heart on the front and on the sole of the shoe, so it may well have been given as a love token. The top has been hollowed out to form a container covered by a sliding lid. The size, weight and materials of this box made it easily portable.
Shoe and boot shaped snuff boxes were made throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Shoes have long been associated with love and marriage and were often given for good luck. This carved mahogany snuff box is decorated with brass piqué work taking the form of a heart on the front and on the sole of the shoe, so it may well have been given as a love token. The top has been hollowed out to form a container covered by a sliding lid. The size, weight and materials of this box made it easily portable.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
Materials and techniques | Carved mahogany, brass piqué work (small holes drilled into the wood to hold pieces of metal wire) |
Brief description | English 1800-1900 English 1800-1900 |
Physical description | Snuff box of carved mahogany decorated with with brass piqué work in the form of a heart. |
Dimensions |
|
Credit line | Given by Messrs Harrods Ltd. |
Historical context | Part of Messrs Harrods gift |
Summary | Snuff, or powdered tobacco, was widely popular throughout Europe from the 17th century. Sniffed from the back of the hand, pinched fingers or from a spoon, snuff taking was enjoyed at social occasions and would be placed on the table or passed around a group. Thousands of small portable boxes to contain the powder, were made as personal accessories, often in novel designs, to be given as gifts. Decoration varied from the most expensive in jewelled gold and silver, to much more modest boxes, such as this, carved in wood. Shoe and boot shaped snuff boxes were made throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Shoes have long been associated with love and marriage and were often given for good luck. This carved mahogany snuff box is decorated with brass piqué work taking the form of a heart on the front and on the sole of the shoe, so it may well have been given as a love token. The top has been hollowed out to form a container covered by a sliding lid. The size, weight and materials of this box made it easily portable. |
Collection | |
Accession number | T.1552-1913 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | July 30, 2008 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest