Snuffbox 1725 - 1740

This small porcelain snuffbox was produced by the Meissen Manufactory in Germany sometime in the 18th century. The decoration on this snuffbox offers an interesting window into the European perception and consumption of Asian culture during this time. During the 18th century, Europe developed a fascination with what it termed "chinoiserie." European artists and artisans borrowed imagery and motifs from China, Japan, and other parts of Asia. This exoticism was often superficial, based on fantasy and projection. The Meissen factory was one of the earliest producers of porcelain in Europe, which made it uniquely placed to capitalize on this growing demand. Its imitations of Asian motifs were particularly successful with aristocratic and upper-class consumers who were eager to display their refined taste and wealth by collecting such objects. To understand this snuffbox fully, we can consult period trade records, travel writings, and museum collections. These sources allow us to see how the image of the exotic East was constructed, marketed, and consumed within European society.