This box, possibly used to hold snuff, is made from a type of stone called porphyry. The lid is inset with a blue jasper medallion with applied white jasper decoration. The decoration depicts the figure of Liberty indicating that this box would have been owned by someone who supported the ideals of the French Revolution.
Snuff, which is dried, powdered tobacco, was very popular in the eigteenth century. Small amounts of snuff were caried on the person in ornate, tightly sealed boxes. The inside of this box is made from gold, which would not tarnish. The gold would neither  affect the snuff powder or be affected by it.

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This box, possibly used to hold snuff, is made from a type of stone called porphyry. The lid is inset with a blue jasper medallion with applied white jasper decoration. The decoration depicts the figure of Liberty indicating that this box would have been owned by someone who supported the ideals of the French Revolution. Snuff, which is dried, powdered tobacco, was very popular in the eigteenth century. Small amounts of snuff were caried on the person in ornate, tightly sealed boxes. The inside of this box is made from gold, which would not tarnish. The gold would neither affect the snuff powder or be affected by it.

Snuff box

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