Snuffbox

1808

Not on view

Joseph Taylor, the maker of this snuffbox, had premises in Birmingham as well as London. His trade card describes him as a “Working Gold and Silversmith, Jeweller, Tortoiseshell and Ivory box, Gilt and General Toy Manufacturer.” A vinaigrette (1983.575.45) and caddy spoon (97.2.180) made by the same silversmith are also in The Met’s collection.

The lid of this curved snuffbox is decorated with wrigglework while a basket-weave patterning is found on the sides. The reserve on the lid, intended to personalize the snuff box with the owner’s name or initials, is left blank. Whimsical animal shapes are found on the underside which would be visible only to the user of the box.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Snuffbox
Maker: Joseph Taylor (British, 1767–1827)
Date: 1808
Culture: British, Birmingham
Medium: Silver
Dimensions: Length: 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Silver
Credit Line: Gift of Herbert K. Reis, in memory of Rose-Frances K. Reis (Mrs. Ralph A. Reis), 1983
Object Number: 1983.575.3
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

By Joseph Taylor

In the same medium

From the same time and place

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Vinaigrette, Joseph Taylor British, Silver, British, Birmingham — Vinaigrette
Joseph Taylor
1806

Caddy spoon, Joseph Taylor British, Silver, British, Birmingham — Caddy spoon
Joseph Taylor
1804–5

Decanter, Christopher Dresser British, Scottish, Silver plate, glass, British, Birmingham — Decanter
Christopher Dresser
Hukin & Heath
1879

Toast rack, Christopher Dresser British, Scottish, Silver plate, British, Birmingham — Toast rack
Christopher Dresser
Hukin & Heath
1879

Decorative grill from the Palace of Westminster, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin British, Brass, British, Birmingham — Decorative grill from the Palace of Westminster
Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin
John Hardman & Co.
ca. 1845–59

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