Snuff Box
1700-1750 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
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.
The lid and base of this snuff box is made from tortoiseshell inlaid with tiny gold pins, a technique called 'piqué point'. The red tone of the inlay on this box has been achieved by mixing the gold with copper. The piqué point forms a trellis and fish scale pattern and is arranged around scrolls made up from thin strips of inlaid gold ('piqué posé'). At the front, a thumb-piece has been added to protect the lid against excess wear. Several other boxes of identical shape and similar ornament are known to have been made in Italy.
The lid and base of this snuff box is made from tortoiseshell inlaid with tiny gold pins, a technique called 'piqué point'. The red tone of the inlay on this box has been achieved by mixing the gold with copper. The piqué point forms a trellis and fish scale pattern and is arranged around scrolls made up from thin strips of inlaid gold ('piqué posé'). At the front, a thumb-piece has been added to protect the lid against excess wear. Several other boxes of identical shape and similar ornament are known to have been made in Italy.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Tortoiseshell and red gold |
| Brief description | Snuff box, tortoiseshell and red gold, with trellis and fish scale pattern arranged around posé Rococo scrolls, Italy, 1700-1750 |
| Physical description | Snuff box, tortoiseshell and red gold, deep oblong with flat hinged lid. The sides are decorated with shallow vertical flutes. With rococo strap work on top and bottom arranged in chevron shape bands enclosing panels filled with pique work, some of which is arranged in scale and trellis patterns. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Griffin Bequest |
| Object history | Acquisition RF: 60/2897 Griffin Bequest Exhibitions: 'Lets Face It' Museum of London 9th June - 30th Sept 1986 |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | 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. The lid and base of this snuff box is made from tortoiseshell inlaid with tiny gold pins, a technique called 'piqué point'. The red tone of the inlay on this box has been achieved by mixing the gold with copper. The piqué point forms a trellis and fish scale pattern and is arranged around scrolls made up from thin strips of inlaid gold ('piqué posé'). At the front, a thumb-piece has been added to protect the lid against excess wear. Several other boxes of identical shape and similar ornament are known to have been made in Italy. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.211-1960 |
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| Record created | February 9, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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