snuff box

Summary

Public: An oval box with tall tapering sides and an ormolu mount, enamel on metal and painted in colours, with a panel of a landscape scene with figures on the lid and two similar panels on the sides, all within scroll borders on a dark blue decorated ground. Private: An oval box with tall tapering sides and an ormolu mount. Painted in colours on the lid with a panel depicting an outdoor party with a lady and gentleman seated at a table with two ladies standing at their side and the sides of the box are painted with two similar panels, one showing two standing and three seated figures, one of whom plays a mandolin, the other two lovers seated near a gate whilst a youth kneels watching them. All panels within elaborate scroll borders in gold on a dark blue ground decorated with foliage in gold and trellis and dot in white. Bottom of the box decorated with trellis and dot in raised white enamel on a white ground.