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Agate Box With Gilt Pomponne Mounts, Antique, 19th Century

$716.28
£527.90
€600
CA$980.43
A$1,098.14
CHF 571.40
MX$13,336.79
NOK 7,243.86
SEK 6,835.12
DKK 4,566.39
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About the Item

French 19th Century rectangular agate box with fine engine engraved gilt mounts in gilt brass or Pomponne which is an alloy developed by two goldsmiths, Turgot and Daumy, who set up shop at the Hôtel de Pomponne on Rue de la Verrerie in Paris at the end of the 18th century. It is a copper-based metal designed to imitate gold or silver. Louis XVI granted them a manufacturing privilege in 1785, although until then, all imitations were prohibited. A very lovely example of what would probably originally have been used for snuff. A piece of beautiful specimen agate is set into the lid and a piece of different coloured specimen agate into the base. Both are bevel set into the mounts The whole is held by fine chased and engine turned gilt mounts. The eighteenth century, most specifically within French and Spanish aristocratic circles, saw the growth of a specific type of tobacco usage called “snuff.” Snuff was a type of ground tobacco that could be ingested by way of inhalation through the nose. Because it was a small, fine substance, it needed a vessel to contain it. Snuff and the snuff-boxes it was placed into became important expressions of class. The act of taking snuff and how one presented themselves while doing had unique social implications (Jacobson). The ability to own a snuff box and, consequently, ingest the drug itself was a marker of wealth. Originally manufactured for utility, it became an important symbol or ornament and personal representation. Apart from large silver or wood containers (mulls), which usually stood at the table at home or at public places, a pocket snuff box, which contained several grams of powder, had become a necessity. The airtight containers that had been originally intended to protect snuff from drying, became the jewelled works of art and the symbol of opulence of the upper classes. The best craftsmen, jewellers and artisans made splendid snuff boxes out of silver, gold, white-metal, mineral stones and wood. Such fancy materials as mother-of-pearl, ivory, tortoise-shell, mammoth tooth were also widely used for the creation of this fashionable accessory. In 18th century Europe, Parisian jewellers led in the production of luxury tabatières (snuff boxes in French). Jean Ducrollay, Joseph Etienne Blerzy, Jean-Marie Teron were the important goldsmiths of the industry before the Revolution. Paintings in grisaille on enamelled panels were set on the 18K gold and silver boxes, that were richly encrusted with precious stones. The decoration was usually complemented with borders of pearls or floral motifs.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 1.68 in (4.25 cm)Width: 2.76 in (7 cm)Depth: 0.99 in (2.5 cm)
  • Medium:
    Brass,Precious Stone
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Condition:
    Some marks to the gilding, striations to the agate but no cracks.
  • Gallery Location:
    Cotignac, FR
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: LG/Agate31stDibs: LU1430216378172

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