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Erotic Snuff Box 
Erotic Snuff Box 
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Erotic Snuff Box 

  • This rare burlwood and tortoiseshell snuffbox features an erotic Sapphic scene on its cover
  • The scene is on reverse-painted glass, lending another dimension to this intriguing container
  • Get complete item description here
$7,850
Item No. 30-1722

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Description
A scintillating Sapphic scene adorns the cover of this rare erotic snuff box. Set into the top of this burlwood and tortoiseshell container, this highly detailed tableau of two women in the throes of ecstasy is actually comprised of a base and reverse-painted glass, which lends a multi-dimensional quality to an already eye-catching composition. 

Circa 1840

3 5/8” diameter x 7/8” high

There was very little erotic art in Europe until the. . .
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A scintillating Sapphic scene adorns the cover of this rare erotic snuff box. Set into the top of this burlwood and tortoiseshell container, this highly detailed tableau of two women in the throes of ecstasy is actually comprised of a base and reverse-painted glass, which lends a multi-dimensional quality to an already eye-catching composition. 

Circa 1840

3 5/8” diameter x 7/8” high

There was very little erotic art in Europe until the 17th century, when Dutch artists such as Rembrandt created sensuous etchings and paintings. The genre gained great popularity in the 18th century, particularly in France, and artists like Boucher and Fragonard received royal commissions for erotic paintings, such as the famous portrait of Marie-Louise O'Murphy, the young mistress of Louis XV, and Fragonard's lush the Swing

Reference:
The Complete Book of Erotic Art, 1978, Drs. Phyllis and Eberhard Kronhausen
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Erotic Snuff Box 
Period: 19th Century
Type: Snuff/Tobacco Boxes
Diameter: 3.63 in. 
Depth: 3.63 in. (9.21 cm)
Width: 3.63 in. (9.21 cm)
Height: 0.88 in. (2.22 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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