18K Gold and Enamel Oval-shaped and Scallop-edged Snuff Box

Inventory Number: O23030006LC

Made circa 1830, unsigned, 78.5×54×21.5mm, 18K yellow gold and enamel oval-shaped scallop-edged case with hinged lid. Borders of the cover, base, and band are decorated with polychrome champlevé, made for the Islamic market. The center of the lid panel is painted with enamel on gold showing a basket of flowers on translucent grey background over sunburst guilloché engine-turned, the base decorated with a bunch of flowers. The central motif of the lid and the base of this snuffbox are quite unusual, especially its guilloché background which highlights the flowers.

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

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.