Tobacco grater, ca. 1750

This object is a tobacco grater or snuff rasp. It is made from ivory with metal fittings. It is carved with the subject of Venus instructing Cupid beneath a tree on which hangs a curtain. A snuff rasp was used like a nutmeg grater for grating dried tobacco into snuff. A perforated metal section was fixed inside the ivory cover for grating. Snuff taking was a popular pastime in France for the wealthy and fashionable. There was the rumour that a regular dose of snuff would protect against the plague. The tobacco was grated from the solid tobacco roll known as a "carotte".

The ivory carving on these rasps is often rather crude, while the subjects depicted, often mythological figures, or exotic ladies, are typical of decorative objects made from a rare and costly material to be sold as lucury good. Tobacco grater, ivory, carved with the subject of Venus instructing Cupid beneath a tree on which hangs a ruffled curtain. Fruit, leaves and shell ornament are carved below and on the cover at the back. Under the hinged lid is an inked inscription.