A rare gold four-lobed flower-head-embossed hanging perfume container and cover, Early 18th century, probably circa 1700-1720. Photo courtesy Bonhams

The two main sides cast as a large formal flower head, the four swelling compass points cast and chased with smaller floral sprays, all within four lobed panels, one side with a hinge to allow the domed cover to be raised, allowing subtle access to the interior, all suspended from a large loop. Including ring handle: 2.8cm wide; 2.3cm deep; 5cm high. Estimate HK$ 95,000 - 115,000 (€9,100 - 11,000)

This unusual receptacle reflects an earlier period of necessary accessories carried by a gentleman in 17th century Europe. Any history of snuff boxes, which discusses the snuff designed to give pleasure to the user, should really begin with the earlier use of sophisticated gold and silver pomanders, scent-balls, musk-balls or 'boites de senteurs', as small personal boxes containing sweet-smelling perfumes were called in the 17th and 18th century. They were just as essential in 17th century refined social life as snuff boxes became in 18th century Europe. Sweets and other small things to eat (like aniseed) would be carried in 'drapoirs', sweetmeat or 'comfit' boxes. 

Bonhams. THE SPEELMAN COLLECTION OF CHINESE 'IMPERIAL TRIBUTE' SNUFF BOXES. Hong Kong. 24 Nov 2013 13:00 CST