Tabatière en agate montée en or, Angleterre, vers 1735. photo Sotheby's

a gold and agate snuffbox, English, circa 1735

en forme de cartouche, le couvercle et le dessous en agate representant naturellement une colline et une forêt, les bordures et la bâte ciselées de rinceaux et fleurs, le fermoir en collerette, poinçon d'import francais postérieur

of cartouche form, the lid and base inset with interestingly-figured agate panels, the borders and sides chased with scrollwork and flowers, raised thumbpiece, later French import mark

Long. 6,4 cm ; 2 1/2 in  Lot 17. ESTIMATION 4,000-6,000 EUR

NOTE DE CATALOGUE; Specimens of agate which appeared to form natural pictures of landscapes, such as on this box, or recognisable images, were particularly admired during this period of the 18th century. 

Sotheby's. Importante Orfèvrerie Européenne, Boîtes en Or et Objets de Vitrine. Paris | 18 avr. 2012, 10:30 AM www.sothebys.com