Swiss 18K Gold and Enamel Candy Box

Inventory Number: O23030004LC

Made in Geneva circa 1800, signed SÉNÉ & DÉTALLA, 68×21mm, 18K yellow gold and enamel round-shaped Bonbonnières (Candy box). Case-back and band with translucent imperial blue enamel ground over sunburst guilloché engine-turned. The lid is painted on enamel on gold, and the scene is attributable to Jean-François Soiron or Jean-Abraham Lissignol,  showing "La Paix qui ramène l'Abondance" (Peace bringing back Abundance) after a painting of Marie-Louise-Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun (1755-1842) from 1780 (a piece of reception of the artist at the French Royal Academy of Arts; Paris, Le Louvre Museum, Inv. 3 052), and an engraving of Pierre Viel (1755-1810) from 1787.

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

Gold 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.