Image

A box in the shape of a shell with mottled dark brown pattern. Silver band around bottom edge.

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John Wakefield

Snuffbox

Now On View

Description

Maker

John Wakefield (English, active 1798 - 1818)

Title

Snuffbox

Year

ca. 1800

Medium

Shell and silver

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Shell and silver

Dimensions

5.1 x 8.9 x 7 cm (2 x 3 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

stamped on the underside of silver lid with maker's mark "IW".

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Richard and Inge Chafee

Object Number

2013.73.5

Type

Metalwork

Exhibition History

Trading Earth

Ceramics, Commodities, and Commerce

Apr 09, 2022 – Jan 12, 2025

Label copy

Placed on the back of the hand and inhaled through the nose, finely ground tobacco, or snuff, offers a smokeless way of ingesting nicotine. The practice began in Brazil, spreading through the Americas and to Europe by the 1700s, where the custom became one of social performance, accompanied by innovatively designed snuff boxes.

Use & Feedback

Image use

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This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

John Wakefield (English, active 1798 - 1818)

Snuffbox, ca. 1800

Shell and silver

5.1 x 8.9 x 7 cm (2 x 3 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches)

Gift of Richard and Inge Chafee 2013.73.5

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