ANTIQUE 19thC GERMAN 18k GOLD & ENAMEL SNUFF BOX, HANAU c.1800

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Antique early 19th Century German 18k gold & enamel snuff box, of rectangular form with cut corners, featuring a lid adorned with intricate decorations divided lengthwise. The upper portion of the lid is exquisitely enameled *en plein* with a scene of palm trees set against a starry night sky, surrounding a chased gold semi-flowerhead beneath a white enamel border. The lower section is similarly detailed, showcasing a rectangular panel enameled *en plein* with a depiction of Ariadne. She is shown under a palm tree, flanked by agave plants, writing her name in Greek in the sand before her. This scene is framed by elegant leaf borders.

The sides of the piece are embellished with amber enamel bands that encircle an engraved scrollwork border, while the base is decorated in a similar fashion, surrounding a central brown and black enamel panel designed to simulate the appearance of wood marquetry, specifically with a fruit motif. The front rim bears marks, "F. ST" within a rectangle, a star, and a shield with the number "185."

Reference Number: A10680

Antique early 19th Century German 18k gold & enamel snuff box, of rectangular form with cut corners, featuring a lid adorned with intricate decorations divided lengthwise. The upper portion of the lid is exquisitely enameled *en plein* with a scene of palm trees set against a starry night sky, surrounding a chased gold semi-flowerhead beneath a white enamel border. The lower section is similarly detailed, showcasing a rectangular panel enameled *en plein* with a depiction of Ariadne. She is shown under a palm tree, flanked by agave plants, writing her name in Greek in the sand before her. This scene is framed by elegant leaf borders.

The sides of the piece are embellished with amber enamel bands that encircle an engraved scrollwork border, while the base is decorated in a similar fashion, surrounding a central brown and black enamel panel designed to simulate the appearance of wood marquetry, specifically with a fruit motif. The front rim bears marks, "F. ST" within a rectangle, a star, and a shield with the number "185."

Reference Number: A10680

CONDITION

In Great Condition - Wear expected with age. Please refer to photographs.

SIZE

Height: 1.4 cm // 0.55 inches
Width: 9.3 cm // 3.66 inches
Depth: 6.2 cm // 2.44 inches
Weight: 100 g // 3.53 oz