Swiss 18K Gold and Enamel Snuff Box

Inventory Number: O23030001LC

Made in Geneva circa 1805. 89×63×19 mm, 18K rectangular case with canted corners, the lid with an enamel panel painted with a scene depicting the distress of Rodrigue after the duel during which Chimene's father was killed, left and right borders with interlaced foliage finely chased over a matted ground. The front enamel panel painted with a riverside landscape, the plain azure enameled side and back panels and the enamel panel on the base painted with a fine riverside landscape are flanked by chased flowers against a polished ground with azure champlevé enameled decoration. Canted corners engraved with fluted columns over a white champlevé enamel ground. Prestige French hallmarks.

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.