Snuffbox 1770 - 1785

Curator: This is a porcelain snuffbox created by the Royal Porcelain Manufactory, sometime between 1770 and 1785. It currently resides here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: Wow, even in monochrome, it whispers "luxury," doesn't it? Such a delicate thing, I can almost smell the perfume that might have clung to it. Those tiny flowers— they're practically begging to be sketched. Curator: The Rococo style is evident in the decorative elements. Snuffboxes like this weren't merely functional; they were symbols of status and refined taste in the 18th century. To own and display this beautiful and elaborate piece made you a person of consequence. Editor: Absolutely! Think about the performative aspect – the ritual of taking snuff. The slow opening of the box, the genteel pinch, the offering to friends, and, with that little "tickle," you’ve shared a beautiful, ornate moment together! What if a clandestine love note lay hidden underneath it all, just imagine! Curator: It is intriguing to consider the snuffbox as more than just a personal object but also a vehicle for social exchange and perhaps even political intrigue, a portable emblem of the owner’s allegiances and networks, carried as close as jewelry design, or money. Editor: I agree, and imagine the quiet conversation between this box and the hands that held it, now long gone. It feels like holding a miniature, silent world within your fingers. Curator: It truly represents more than its function. This porcelain container is an encapsulation of an entire cultural moment. Editor: Seeing it up close lets you drift off thinking about hidden messages, whispered gossip, and powdery indulgences – that's what makes this one feel special!