TULA, LATE 18TH CENTURY

Details

A RARE PARCEL-GILT STEEL SNUFF BOX
TULA, LATE 18TH CENTURY
Cartouche-shaped, the hinged cover and inside cover decorated with amorous bas-relief scenes against a gilt ground, the sides and base similarly decorated with musicians and musical instruments, all within rocaille borders, with a rocaille-shaped thumb-piece, unmarked
3 in. (7.5 cm.) wide

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

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Lot Essay

Tula, well known as a manufacturing centre for arms and armour, developed a distinctive technique of combining steel with gilding, used to decorate hunting weapons and small luxury objects such as vases and snuffboxes. A comparable snuffbox was sold Christie’s, New York, 19 April 2002, lot 57. Another similar box is part of the collection of the State Historical Museum, Moscow.

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