Snuffbox 1735 - 1745

This snuffbox was produced at the Meissen Manufactory in Germany. The practice of taking snuff became incredibly popular in Europe during the 18th century, and ornate boxes like these became luxury items for the wealthy. The decoration on the snuffbox is painted in black enamel, depicting scenes of rural life. Images like these were often based on prints, making art accessible even on a small scale. The Meissen factory was one of the first to produce porcelain in Europe. It was originally founded by the King of Saxony, who held a monopoly over its production. The factory was a major center for artistic innovation. Understanding the snuffbox requires attention to the cultural and economic systems that enabled its creation and use. Museum collections and historical records provide insight into the significance of objects like this in their own time.