Antique Victorian late 19th century papier mache laqured snuff box / keepsake box in amazing condition. It has a lovely brass decorative opener and a vacant cartouche. It could now be used as a keepsake box or just a great desk home display item. Some minor age related wear.
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10 cm wide
5 cm depth
4 cm tall
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Snuff boxes emerged in the late 17th century as a way to store powdered tobacco for sniffing, evolving from simple pouches into highly decorative, fashionable accessories by the 18th century. Initially used for medicinal purposes, snuff-taking became a popular pastime across Europe, especially among the aristocracy, which drove the demand for ornate boxes made from materials like gold, silver, ivory, and porcelain. These boxes were not only functional but also served as status symbols and tokens of affection, with some even used to convey a complex system of social etiquette known as the "language of the snuffbox".
Early history
Origin: The use of tobacco snuff originated with indigenous people of Brazil and was introduced to Europe in the 16th century.
Initial medicinal use: French ambassador Jean Nicot promoted tobacco snuff as a remedy for ailments, presenting it to Catherine de Medici in 1561. She called it "queen herb," and her endorsement helped popularize it among the French elite.
Shift to fashion: As snuff-taking became a fashionable pastime, the demand for specialized, high-quality containers grew, replacing simple pouches.
The Golden Age (17th-18th century)
Rise in popularity: Snuff-taking surged in popularity in the late 17th century, partly due to soldiers returning from conflicts and the growth of coffee houses.
Status symbol: By the 18th century, the snuffbox was a major fashion accessory, similar to a modern smartphone. Its value and decoration signified social status.
Craftsmanship: Boxes were made from a wide range of materials, from cheap options like potato pulp to luxurious ones like gold, ivory, and enamel.
"Language of the snuffbox": A complex system of etiquette developed, where a box could be used to communicate subtly. Flicking the lid or offering the box in a certain way conveyed specific social messages.
Decline and modern legacy
Peak and decline: Snuff box use peaked in the 18th and mid-19th centuries and gradually declined as smoking tobacco became more prevalent.
Collectors' items: They became highly collectible in the 19th century and remain valuable antiques today, often fetching high prices at auction.
Historical artifacts: Modern-day examples are used in museums to teach about historical craftsmanship, social customs, and even a "language of hidden meanings".
 
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Papier-mâché originated in China around 200 AD, where it was used for items like helmets. The technique later spread to other parts of Asia, including Japan and Tibet, before reaching Europe in the 17th century. In Europe, it became popular during the 18th and 19th centuries for both decorative and functional objects, such as furniture, architectural elements, and small decorative items, due to its durability and ability to be molded and lacquered.