Box 1745 - 1761

This small soft-paste porcelain box was made by the Mennecy factory in France, and it's decorated with delicate sprigs of flowers. Such items offer a fascinating window onto the world of 18th-century aristocratic life. Mennecy was one of the first porcelain factories in France, and its wares were prized for their creamy texture, and subtle, elegant designs. These boxes were luxury goods, used for storing snuff, cosmetics, or other personal items. The fashion for snuff-taking was at its height, and beautifully decorated boxes became essential accessories for both men and women of fashion. The presence of such an object in the home was a display of wealth and taste, reflecting the refined culture of the French court. As historians, we can use documents such as trade ledgers, inventory lists, and fashion plates to understand the context in which these boxes were made and used, and to better understand the social rituals of the era.