Snuff box, France, ca. 1700
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1700
Snuff box, France, ca. 1700 is an object recorded by Victoria and Albert Museum, dated ca. 1700. The museum's brief description reads: Snuff box, shell shaped ivory, with Rococo decoration and gilt hinge, French (probably Dieppe), ca.
1700. Museum description: Oval shell-shaped box decorated with elegant, even courtly, associations: with, on either side, panels of ornament in low relief radiating from a panel with a head of Cupid? On the lid, the central panel shows the naked Venus seated, surrounded by hearts pierced with arrows, two cupids and shells, and on the base is a female profile bust, perhaps a portrait, likewise surrounded by foliate forms and other decorative motifs.
The museum record gives material recorded as ivory; measurements Width 7.8 cm; Height 3 cm; Diameter 6.2 cm; place associated: France. These details come from the holding museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet 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
This object is an oval shell-shaped ivory snuff box. It has panels of ornament in low relief radiating from a panel with a head of Cupid. On the lid, a central panel of ornament shows the naked Venus seated. Ivory combs, together with mirror cases, boxes and gravoirs for parting the hair, formed an essential part of the trousse de toilette or étui (dressing case) of the typical wealthy lady or gentleman in the period. The two leading cities for ivory carving were Paris and Dieppe. Luxury items, such as combs were often made in Paris, especially during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. During the seventeenth century Dieppe became increasingly significant for small-scale sculpture in ivory, perhaps because it was a port.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- ivory
- Dimensions
- Width 7.8 cm; Height 3 cm; Diameter 6.2 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Ivory
- Place recorded
- France
Identification
- Museum object name
- Snuff box
- Museum object number
- A.79-1937
- Museum system number
- O310799
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: confirm materials, dimensions, maker and wider type against the museum record and a specialist reference.