Antique Silver Gilt Table Snuff Box with Rococo Motif and Meleager Boar Head Scene, 18th Century

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We are delighted to offer this splendid antique solid silver gilt snuff box made in the 18th century, of continental … Read more We are delighted to offer this splendid antique solid silver gilt snuff box made in the 18th century, of continental origin and probably Dutch. The box presents a beautiful Rococo-shaped and decorated design with a wonderfully ornate scalloped and scrolled border enclosing the Greek mythological scene of Meleager presenting a boar's head to Atalanta. The scene depicts Meleager presenting the head of the Calydonian boar to Atalanta as a token of his admiration and love after she, along with other hunters, participated in the hunt for the monstrous boar that was terrorising the land of Calydon. The entirety of the box has been gilt (gold on top of solid silver) which not only presents a wonderful opulent aesthetic but also prevents the silver from tarnishing. The scene is embossed with repousse and the surrounding motifs have been hand-chased. This decoration continues on to its sides where further scrolls and foliate decorations are present. The box is crafted in a lovely form with a cartouche-like shape with elegant curves and aesthetics - a testament to the craftsmanship of the era and symbolic of how much time and cost would have gone into embellishing one single box. Whilst originally designed for holding snuff tobacco, this box could also be used for storing mints, tablets or small items. A perfect gift or addition for the discerning individual and an equally delightful addition for an interior setting to elevate its decor. A single letter hallmark is present on the base of the box. See less