CIRCA 1760

Details

AN ITALIAN TORTOISESHELL AND PIQUE GOLD SNUFF BOX**
Circa 1760
Circular, the body inlaid with alternating diaperwork and imbrication patterns within rocaille scroll cartouches, the hinged domed cover with gold thumbpiece, apparently unmarked
2 7/8in. (6.4cm.) diameter

Special notice

Notice Regarding the Sale of Ivory and Tortoiseshell Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing ivory or tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

These boxes, typcially executed in tortoiseshell, are referred to as boîte à ballon or boîte en ballon, in 18th century documents. For an example in tortoiseshell see: Kenneth Snowman, Eighteenth Century Gold Boxes of Europe, 1966, no. 270.

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