Snuff Box (Cleveland Museum of Art 2009.35)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1780–90
Snuff was a scented form of tobacco powder, traditionally sniffed for maximum effect. The practice of inhaling a pinch of snuff was common in England during the 1600s and became widespread in other countries in the 1700s.
The demand for decorated snuffboxes, considered valuable gifts, increased as the practice spread. Some were small enough to fit in a waistcoat pocket and gave 18th-century craftsmen an opportunity to execute rich and elaborate designs on a small scale. One of the most talented German goldsmiths, Johann Christian Neuber, was particularly adept at cutting and insetting rare hardstones sourced from the rich mines of northern Germany.
He created a kaleidoscope of color on every surface of this little box in radiant patterns. Neuber's work was so renowned that he was made court jeweler to the elector of Saxony, Frederick Augustus the Third (1750-1827) in 1775. Cleveland Museum of Art object 2009.35: Snuff Box, c. 1780–90. Johann Christian Neuber (German, 1736–1808; active Dresden 1762-c.1800). Gold, multi-colored hardstone; overall: 2.9 x 5.7 x 4.3 cm (1 1/8 x 2 1/4 x 1 11/16 in.).
Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Because of his use of rare hardstones cut in tiny intricate patterns, Johann Christian Neuber's works, including small ones such as this snuffbox, are highly prized by museums and collectors alike.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- gold, multi-colored hardstone
- Dimensions
- Overall: 2.9 x 5.7 x 4.3 cm (1 1/8 x 2 1/4 x 1 11/16 in.)
- Measurements
- Overall: 2.9 x 5.7 x 4.3 cm (1 1/8 x 2 1/4 x 1 11/16 in.)
- Material and technique
- gold, multi-colored hardstone
Identification
- Date recorded
- c. 1780–90
- Culture period
- Germany, Dresden
- Maker recorded
- Johann Christian Neuber (German, 1736–1808; active Dresden 1762-c.1800)
- Museum attribution
- Johann Christian Neuber (German, 1736–1808; active Dresden 1762-c.1800)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 2009.35
- Museum classification
- Miscellaneous
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm maker, marks and date against decorative-arts references.