Antique 19th Century Swiss 14k Gold Enamel Snuff Box

The social ritual of inhaling snuff (powdered tobacco) was as ceremonious as it was pleasureful and addictive for Europeans in the 18th and 19th centuries. Amongst wealthy elites, partaking in snuff use was akin to taking tea or dancing at court; there was quite a bit of nuanced social knowledge that one must have had in order to fit in. Naturally, with any activity that required social grace and had unspoken rules, the correct artifacts were a necessity to convey one's status. 

By the late 18th century Geneva had become the European capital that lead the production of gold objects for various export markets. The city had legions of skilled artisans that exported its products from Western Europe, all the way to the Ottoman empire. The scene in the center of this box, done with "en plein" enamel, depicts a romanticized, joyful, Arcadian gathering, a common theme for the early to mid 19th century. The characters appear to be dressed in traditional Mediterranean style folk outfits, perhaps from Italy or the Balkans and enjoying music. Acquired from a family of Russian descent, this box aligns with typical designs that were known to have been made for export into the Russian market to be eagerly collected by the elite and aristocracy, while still showcasing typical Swiss enamel techniques, such as the champlevé enamel framing the center panel done in light blue. The box was crafted circa 1840-1850 and is a stunning example of the craftsmanship of the period. 

The piece is marked with an indiscernible maker's mark and tests near a modern 14 karat gold equivalent, which indicates it was most likely tailored for export standards, as most of the items made for Western Europe would have been crafted in 18 karat gold. It measures 3 1/8 by just over 1 3/4 inches, and is just over half an inch tall. There is very slight damage to enamel on the corner lid part of the box and the lid no longer closes completely, as pictured.