Dutch silver tobacco box, Amsterdam, circa 1775-1780
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1775/80
This Dutch silver tobacco box, originating from Amsterdam and dating to approximately 1775-1780, is a fine example of 18th-century silversmithing. The rectangular box features a hinged lid adorned with an intricate relief scene.
This central motif depicts several figures situated within a landscape that includes a sailing ship, all enclosed within a characteristic rocaille frame. The craftsmanship reflects the stylistic preferences of the era, combining decorative narrative scenes with ornate borders. The object is constructed of silver and bears marks on the bottom, including the Amsterdam city hallmark with an indistinct date letter and the maker's mark associated with Jan van Oosterwout, a silversmith active between 1775 and 1812.
The box measures 16.5 cm in length and has an approximate weight of 227 grams. Its physical form and decorative motifs exemplify the elegant functional objects used for tobacco storage during this period.
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.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 16.5 cm
- Weight
- 227g
- Material
- silver
Design
- Lid decoration
- relief scene of figures in a landscape with a sailing ship and a rocaille frame
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Jan van Oosterwout
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.