2.75 × 2 × 1 - inches

A finely decorated English papier-maché hinged snuff box likely dating circa 1820 -1840, the Victorian Era. This oval box features a hand-painted gilt Chinoiserie scene.

Papier-mâché is a material with a history dating back to ancient China, where it was used for functional items like helmets and snuff boxes. The lid features an intricate lacquer painting, predominantly in gold and black, depicting figures of scholars or monks in a landscape, characteristic of Chinoiserie, a European interpretation of East Asian design.

Snuff boxes were small, decorative containers used to store and carry powdered tobacco, known as snuff, which gained popularity in the 16th century. Would be a great gift for the Traditional Gentleman. Pair this with Japanese Meiji Period Scholar’s Writing Box.

In good to very good condition commensurate with age and use such as surface scratches, crackling, nicks, and wear, paint loss or fading, minor minimal surface cracks. Divided into sections.