SNUFFBOX

Creator(s): Unknown (Silversmith)

Currently in storage

About this object

Box is made from shell and outside is partly cut away to expose the mother of pearl, three sections being left to form very low feet. Interior has two compartments, one large and one small, formed by natural shape of shell formation. Cover has two parts, hinged at center. Smaller part of cover is decorated with shells and trophies in niello on silver against a stippled gilt ground. Larger part of cover has a merman and mermaid on cliffs by sea; a ship is seen in the distance. This is in niello on silver. Sky is of stippling and gilt.

Object name:

SNUFFBOX

Made from:

Silver gilt -- niello -- turban snail shell

Made in:

Veliky Ustyug, Russia

Date made:

1796-1801 (?)

Size:

4.8 × 6.2 × 9.2 cm (1 7/8 × 2 7/16 × 3 5/8 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

13.6

Class:

NIELLO

Signature marks:

MARK tiny mark with duck (repeated), partial mark; on font are Chinese characters

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973