Snuff box

Author: José Coelho de Oliveira

Date: 1834 – 1851

Material: White silver

Dimensions (cm): H 1,7 x W 5,7 x L 8,5

Provenance: Unknown

Owner: Lisboa, Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Inventory No.: MAS OD 21

Arched-shaped snuff box decorated with embossed and engraved motifs based on foliage. At the centre there’s the effigy of Dona Maria.

The snuff box is a piece of civil use, being associated with a display of status. Using it was an elegant gesture that wasn’t mistakable for the plebeian habit of chewing tobacco.