Snuffbox
Small decorative box for storing tobacco, an object of decorative art
Snuffbox is an elegant box, popular in Europe in the 18th-19th centuries not only as a container for snuff tobacco, but also as a status accessory. They were made of silver, gold, porcelain, wood, often decorated with enamel, miniature painting, and precious stones. Such items were commissioned from renowned craftsmen, and were collected by monarchs and aristocrats.
Snuffboxes could be personal gifts at weddings, diplomatic meetings, and even used in political intrigues (for example, a snuffbox is mentioned in the history of the assassination of Paul I). Often the snuffboxes themselves became works of art: the mastery of relief, enameling, and fine painting amazes collectors even today.
There are very unusual shapes, from books to fruits, and even mechanisms for surprises inside.