French 18K Gold and Enamel Snuff Box

Inventory Number: O23030002LC

Made in France circa 1762, signed Francois Joubert, 91×68×38mm,18K gold and enamel oval-shaped case with hinged lid. The lid, the sides, and the base panels are painted on enamel on gold showing domestic genre scenes, within the enamel border of floral scrolls. The central scene of the snuff box is inspired by an artwork of Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806), as well as one of the lateral subjects ("The Happy Family"). The other scenes seem to be interpretations made from other artworks.

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.