Swiss 18K Gold and Enamel Snuff Box

Inventory Number: O23030003LC

Made in Geneva circa 1800, signed Guidon, Rémond, Gide & Co., 88.5×53×22mm, 18K yellow gold and enamel rectangular-shaped case with rounded corners and hinged lid. Cover, base, and band decorated with Royal blue enamel (translucent enamel over guilloché engine-turning) panels. The lid panel is painted with polychrome enamel on gold showing a maritime landscape probably after Claude- Joseph Vernet (1714-1789), and attributed to the workshop of Jean-Louis Richter (1766-1841).

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.