Italian Carved Coquilla Nut Naval Snuff Box, early 19th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 19th century
This early 19th-century Italian snuff box is masterfully crafted from coquilla nut, showcasing the intricate carving traditions associated with this organic material.
The vessel features a lidded design secured with a brass hinge, which allows for the functional opening and closing of the box. The lid is adorned with highly detailed militaristic naval motifs, featuring an arrangement that includes boarding axes, draped banners, a ship's anchor, a cannon, and the distinctive ram from a ship's prow. Beyond the central naval relief, the side rim of the box is embellished with refined and continuous floral patterning.
The underside of the piece displays a decorative motif consisting of a single large flower surrounded by an array of detailed petals. Measuring 3 1/2 inches (9 cm) in length, this box reflects both the technical skill of the carver and the popular thematic ornamentation of its period, blending maritime symbolism with elaborate naturalistic floral elements.
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
- 3 1/2 in. (9 cm)
- Material
- coquilla nut, brass
Technical characteristics
- Hinge
- brass
Design
- Lid motif
- naval militaristic, boarding axes, banners, anchor, cannon, ship's prow ram
- Rim motif
- floral patterning
- Bottom motif
- large flower with petals
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.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.