This charming 19th-century papier-mâché snuff or trinket box is a wonderful survivor of Victorian decorative arts, prized for both its craftsmanship and symbolic embellishment. Its compact, curved form is finished in a lustrous black lacquer and decorated to the lid with a striking mother-of-pearl inlay in the form of a torch and heart motif - a symbol often associated with eternal love, passion, or remembrance.
Delicate and lightweight, the box opens to reveal an aged, untreated interior with signs of natural surface wear and use over time. The hinge remains functional, and the lid closes snugly – circa 1880.
Measurements:
Height: 3/4" (approx. 2cm)
Width: 2 1/2" (approx. 6.5cm)
Depth: 1 1/4" (approx. 3.5cm)
Total weight: 26g
In good condition – In fair antique condition with wear and surface marks consistent with age and handling. The interior shows natural discolouration and some flaking of the original coating. Despite this, the box retains a lovely sheen, and the inlay remains and vibrant with minor wear to one corner. The structure is stable, and the lid opens and closes correctly.
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