Snuff Box
ca. 1700 (made)
| Artist/Maker |
This snuff box is made from tortoiseshell inlaid with mother-of-pearl, gilt-brass wire and ivory stained green. This technique of inlaid tortoiseshell is known as piqué work. A rather crudely engraved plaque on the lid depicts the classical gods Mars and Venus.
Snuff boxes were a vital dress accessory in 18th century Europe and sophisticated owners boasted boxes in the latest fashions. A complex etiquette surrounded the taking of snuff, which was a preparation of tobacco for inhaling through the nostrils.
Snuff boxes were a vital dress accessory in 18th century Europe and sophisticated owners boasted boxes in the latest fashions. A complex etiquette surrounded the taking of snuff, which was a preparation of tobacco for inhaling through the nostrils.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Tortoiseshell, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, gilt-brass wire, stained ivory, and silver-gilt hinges |
| Brief description | Snuff box, tortoise-shell, in escalloped form inlaid with mother-of-pearl and stained ivory. On the lid rudely engraved plaque of Mars and Venus Silver gilt chased hinge. |
| Physical description | Tortoise-shell, escalloped form inlaid with mother-of-pearl, gilt-brass wire and stained ivory. On the lid rudely engraved plaque of Mars and Venus Silver gilt chased hinge. |
| Gallery label |
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| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This snuff box is made from tortoiseshell inlaid with mother-of-pearl, gilt-brass wire and ivory stained green. This technique of inlaid tortoiseshell is known as piqué work. A rather crudely engraved plaque on the lid depicts the classical gods Mars and Venus. Snuff boxes were a vital dress accessory in 18th century Europe and sophisticated owners boasted boxes in the latest fashions. A complex etiquette surrounded the taking of snuff, which was a preparation of tobacco for inhaling through the nostrils. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 584-1854 |
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| Record created | February 9, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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