PROBABLY DRESDEN, CIRCA 1750/60

Details

A GERMAN GILT-METAL MOUNTED ENAMEL 'PUG' SNUFF-BOX
probably Dresden, circa 1750/60
Rectangular white enamel box of coffin-like shaped circular section, outside and inside of cover, and sides and base painted with colourful scattered flowersprays, the lid centred with a fat grey pug lying on a purple cushion with gold tassels, scalloped gilt-metal mounts with bright-cut borders and scrolling Rococo thumbpiece
3 5/16 in. (84 mm.) wide

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Lot Essay

The pug gained particular significance in Europe following the Papal bill of 1738 forbidding Roman Catholics from belonging to Masonic orders. Many Catholics formed themselves into quasi-masonic lodges and took as their symbol the pug dog. In these orders of Möpsen (German for pugs), the ownership of such a box might have replaced the model pug which all initiates carried during lodge meetings. For more information on pug boxes, see A. Somers Cocks/C. Truman, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection - Renaissance jewels, gold boxes and objects de vertu, London, 1984, pp. 270-271.

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