Snuffbox

Joseph Taylor

1808 · Silver · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Joseph Taylor, the maker of this snuffbox, had premises in Birmingham as well as London. His trade card describes him as a “Working Gold and Silversmith, Jeweller, Tortoiseshell and Ivory box, Gilt and General Toy Manufacturer.” A vinaigrette (1983.575.45) and caddy spoon (97.2.180) made by the same silversmith are also in The Met’s collection. The lid of this curved snuffbox is decorated with wrigglework while a basket-weave patterning is found on the sides. The reserve on the lid, intended to personalize the snuff box with the owner’s name or initials, is left blank. Whimsical animal shapes are found on the underside which would be visible only to the user of the box.

Artist

Joseph Taylor

Date

1808

Medium

Silver

Culture

British, Birmingham

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Herbert K. Reis, in memory of Rose-Frances K. Reis (Mrs. Ralph A. Reis), 1983