Tobacco box, 1700 - 1725

The object is composed of three parts: the base, the wall, and the lid. They have engraved decoration and imagery. Lid and base curve convexly from the sides towards the centre and are otherwise flat. They are enclosed by vertical smooth rims that encircle the wall of the box. The convex parts of the lid and base have continuous engraved scroll ornament. On the lid a scene of a man, a woman with a glass in her hand, and a clergyman, and the inscription '6 Dinge die mijn hert verblijde korte predicatcijs en lange maeltijde.' On the base a representation of a couple and a man with the inscription 'Jong vlees verse vis een moije meijt en wijn op den dis.' The wall has engraved scroll ornament and on the front the inscription 'De Keel kost veel.'. The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-1977-103; its record gives material recorded as brass (alloy); technique striking (metalworking), engraving; measurements height 3.7 cm x length 12.8 cm x thickness 5.4 cm. Description translated from the museum's Dutch catalogue text; details are those of this museum object, and how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.