Snuffbox 1745 - 1760

This porcelain snuffbox was created by the Doccia Porcelain Manufactory, active from 1737 to 1896. Snuffboxes like this one, were more than just functional items; they were statements of wealth and taste. Think about the ritual of taking snuff, a powdered tobacco, popular amongst the European elite. The act itself, the presentation of the box, the sharing of snuff, all speak to a culture deeply invested in social performance. The decorations on the box often depicted scenes of leisure, pastoral settings, or classical allegories, reinforcing the owner's status and refined sensibilities. Consider the narratives these images present—often sanitized versions of rural life, carefully curated to appeal to the aristocratic gaze. Who is included, and perhaps more importantly, who is excluded from these idyllic scenes? The snuffbox becomes a microcosm of a world carefully constructed to maintain social hierarchies. These objects offer a glimpse into the values and self-perceptions of a bygone era.