Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox
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Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox
Click to Enlarge
Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox
Click to Enlarge
Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox
Click to Enlarge
Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox
Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox
Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox
Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox
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Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox

  • This incredible 18th-century French gold snuff box features lustrous mother-of-pearl
  • The ornamented box would have once held a gentleman's tobacco
  • The taking of snuff was a highly regarded social ritual among the European elite
  • The objet d'art is further distinguished by prestigious provenance
  • Get complete item description here
$19,850
Item No. 31-6345
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Description
This Louis XV-period gold-mounted snuff box features lustrous panels of inlaid mother-of-pearl. The whimsical box takes the form of a barrel and features hinged lids on both ends. Diminutive works of intricate artistry, snuff boxes were once considered the height of fashionable luxury in the 18th- and 19th centuries. Designed to be small enough to fit in a gentleman’s waistcoat, these ornamented boxes were used to hold snuff, a popular scented tobacco. The most elegant. . .
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This Louis XV-period gold-mounted snuff box features lustrous panels of inlaid mother-of-pearl. The whimsical box takes the form of a barrel and features hinged lids on both ends. Diminutive works of intricate artistry, snuff boxes were once considered the height of fashionable luxury in the 18th- and 19th centuries. Designed to be small enough to fit in a gentleman’s waistcoat, these ornamented boxes were used to hold snuff, a popular scented tobacco. The most elegant were made using the finest materials, including gold, porcelain, tortoiseshell, enamels and mother-of-pearl — like the present objet d'art. These symbols of status were counted among the most expensive and elegant personal effects, and soon became collector's items.

The luxurious snuff box was once owned by Lord Weinstock, an influential industrialist and businessman among the 20th-century British elite, and his wife Lady Weinstock.

Marked Paris, with charge and recharge of Louis Robin (1738-1744)

Provenance:
Sale of S.J. Phillips, London, 30 June 1972.
Collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock

2" high by 1 1/2" diameter
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Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox
Period: 18th Century
Origin: France
Type: Snuff/Tobacco Boxes
Style: Louis XV
Depth: 1.5 in. (3.81 cm)
Width: 1.5 in. (3.81 cm)
Height: 2.0 in. (5.08 cm)
Louis XV Mother-of-Pearl Snuffbox
A Comprehensive Guide to Antique Snuff Boxes

Tobacco has had a significant impact on the popular culture and social etiquette of many societies around the world. While a slightly less popular indulgence today, its influence can undeniably be felt in...

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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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