Box

Unknown

early 18th century · Tortoiseshell, silver · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This octagonal box has embossed moldings and is decorated with a charming chinoiserie scene. Such boxes served as souvenirs for Grand Tour tourists. The Scottish architect Robert Adam bought several "handsome snuff-boxes of tortoiseshell, studded with gold and with gold hinges" while he visited Rome in 1755.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 18th century

Medium

Tortoiseshell, silver

Culture

probably Italian, Naples

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Mrs. Eleanor Strong, 1903