Snuffbox 1743 - 1753

This charming snuffbox was made at the Saint-Cloud factory in France from soft-paste porcelain and silver. The delightful rabbit form, decorated with delicate floral patterns, speaks to the playful Rococo aesthetic popular at the time. The porcelain itself is a testament to the technical expertise of the Saint-Cloud factory. Achieving this milky, translucent quality required precise control of materials and firing conditions. Notice the contrast between the smooth, white porcelain and the intricate painted details. Skilled artisans carefully applied the black and white enamels, bringing the rabbit to life. The silver base, too, shows careful metalworking, adding a touch of luxury and stability. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, this snuffbox speaks to broader social trends. Snuff-taking was a fashionable ritual among the European elite, and objects like these became status symbols. The Saint-Cloud factory, like other porcelain manufacturers, catered to this demand, employing skilled workers to produce these coveted items. Ultimately, this exquisite object reflects the intersection of craft, commerce, and social status in 18th-century France.