Snuffbox
Applied Arts
Inventory number
2021.10.8.9.AA.BX.C1850.FRDescription
Oval snuff or tobacco box of scalloped shell design, made from a lacquered papier mache of dark brown, almost black colour.In the middle of the 19th century, the manufactures loved to experiment with new materials and one of their favourites was papier mache. The most common pieces are trays, workboxes, inkstands, face screens, snuff boxes and letter holders. Eventually they moved on to larger items and furniture such as firescreens, chairs and tables, bookcases or even wardrobes and beds.
Nearly always the characteristic black, but occasionally in red or green, the pieces were very ornately decorated with flowers, birds and patterns – frequently embellished in gold. Some of the finer pieces were inlaid with shimmering mother-of-pearl shell.
Material
Papier-mâchéOrigin
circa 1850 FranceDimensions
Width : 4 cmLength : 6 cm
Height : 2 cm