French Silver enamel Oval-shaped Snuff Box

Inventory Number: O23030007LC

Made in Paris circa 1820, unsigned, 90×69×17.5mm, silver oval-shaped with painted enamel lid. Case No. 93. Borders of the cover, base decorated with guilloché engine-turned. The lid panel painted on enamel depicts a mythological scene of Venus watching the mirror and accompanied by Hephaestus and Cupids.

Snuff Box

Since 18th century, the boxes became more and more popular in Europe, they played an important role in the conduct of social affairs. Large number of boxes were produced in France, England, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy, Russia, etc. Golden boxes became the century’s most sought-after accessories. In the second half of the 17th century, the popularization of snuff led to the use of snuff boxes, it was the height of functional fashion.

Besides, boxes are not just for the men, smaller and special models are designed for women, there are different types of boxes for varied purposes, including Bonbonnières (Candy box), Carnet-de-bals, Sealing-wax cases and so on.

On loan from the private collection of Mr. Yeung Sau Wong.