This snuffbox dates from 1810, from Geneva, Switzerland. The enamel lid was painted in the manner of Jean-Louis Richter, a famous artist of enamel ware, and shows a landscape surrounded by pearls. Snuff boxes date from a time when snuff taking was a popular habit, from 18th to mid 19th century. Snuff boxes could be exquisitely made and valuable; the cheapest were made from potato pulp. The habit lingered on amongst the aristocracy and monarchy. Snuff is pulverised tobacco and is 'sniffed' up the nose.
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