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Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox
- This incredible 18th-century French gold snuff box features lustrous mother-of-pearl
- The ornamented box would have once held a gentleman's tobacco
- The taking of snuff was a highly regarded social ritual among the European elite
- The objet d'art is further distinguished by prestigious provenance
- Get complete item description here
$19,850
Item No.
31-6345
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Description
This Louis XV-period gold-mounted snuff box features lustrous panels of inlaid mother-of-pearl. The whimsical box takes the form of a barrel and features hinged lids on both ends. Diminutive works of intricate artistry, snuff boxes were once considered the height of fashionable luxury in the 18th- and 19th centuries. Designed to be small enough to fit in a gentleman’s waistcoat, these ornamented boxes were used to hold snuff, a popular scented tobacco. The most elegant. . .
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This Louis XV-period gold-mounted snuff box features lustrous panels of inlaid mother-of-pearl. The whimsical box takes the form of a barrel and features hinged lids on both ends. Diminutive works of intricate artistry, snuff boxes were once considered the height of fashionable luxury in the 18th- and 19th centuries. Designed to be small enough to fit in a gentleman’s waistcoat, these ornamented boxes were used to hold snuff, a popular scented tobacco. The most elegant were made using the finest materials, including gold, porcelain, tortoiseshell, enamels and mother-of-pearl — like the present objet d'art. These symbols of status were counted among the most expensive and elegant personal effects, and soon became collector's items.
The luxurious snuff box was once owned by Lord Weinstock, an influential industrialist and businessman among the 20th-century British elite, and his wife Lady Weinstock.
Marked Paris, with charge and recharge of Louis Robin (1738-1744)
Provenance:
Sale of S.J. Phillips, London, 30 June 1972.
Collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock
2" high by 1 1/2" diameter
The luxurious snuff box was once owned by Lord Weinstock, an influential industrialist and businessman among the 20th-century British elite, and his wife Lady Weinstock.
Marked Paris, with charge and recharge of Louis Robin (1738-1744)
Provenance:
Sale of S.J. Phillips, London, 30 June 1972.
Collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock
2" high by 1 1/2" diameter
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Specifications
| Period: | 18th Century |
| Origin: | France |
| Type: | Snuff/Tobacco Boxes |
| Style: | Louis XV |
| Depth: | 1.5 in. (3.81 cm) |
| Width: | 1.5 in. (3.81 cm) |
| Height: | 2.0 in. (5.08 cm) |
Discover More
A Comprehensive Guide to Antique Snuff Boxes
Read MoreBuy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
