One of our snuff boxes in the 2014 Moorabool Antiques ‘Recent Acquisitions’ exhibition really stands out: it is only small, just 6.5cm x 5cm; however, it is richly decorated and an amazing little piece to hold.
The details are very unusual, being ‘Chinoiserie’ children on the lid, and birds to the sides and base. These conform rather well to the designs of Jean-Baptiste Pillement, the French designer responsible for many of the Rococo flourishes we are so familiar with. The combination of rococo scroll frames – in raised yellow enamel which has then been gilt – and the Chinoiserie contents are particularly pleasing, and bring to mind the mirrors and fantastic furniture of Thomas Chippendale.
French enamel box with chinoiseries after Pillement, circa 1755
This stunning little piece has silver touch marks to the silver mounts, which place it in Paris circa 1755.
French enamel box with chinoiseries after Pillement, circa 1755
- It will be a part of Moorabool’s ‘Recent Acquisitions’ Exhibition, opening April 12th in Geelong.
2014 Catalogue