Snuffbox 1735 - 1745

This snuffbox was made in the workshop of Charles Fromery in the first half of the 18th century. It's a small, elegant object, combining porcelain and silver to create a luxurious accessory. The decoration is especially interesting. Notice the raised figures, meticulously applied to the surface, and the finely painted scenes. These details speak to a highly specialized workshop, with individuals responsible for different parts of the process. The porcelain itself would have been fired at a high temperature, and the silver expertly worked to create a tight-fitting frame and hinge. Snuffboxes like this one were emblems of status. They were luxury items, reflecting the owner's taste and wealth. The very act of taking snuff was a social ritual, and an elaborate box like this would have been a conversation piece. It's a reminder that even everyday objects can be powerful carriers of meaning, embodying social distinctions and skilled labor.