Dutch elegant engraved brass snuff box from the 18th century

Dutch snuffbox made of engraved brass from 1700, rectangular with rounded corners, fully engraved on all sides; the edge features a beautiful motif of scrolls decorated with leaves. The lid of this 18th-century Dutch tobacco box bears an unreadable inscription and five round plaques – medallions containing busts of as many dignitaries, along with their dated inscriptions, the latest from 1748.

The lower part is decorated with a gallery of figures placed behind a balustrade covered with heraldic coats of arms.

The snuffbox comes from a private collection and is in good condition, despite natural wear resulting from 18th-century use.

Beautiful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of traditional and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the popular Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Original Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique pieces in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next style is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate, luxurious pieces designed to shine with splendor and play a significant role in opulence. Materials were carefully selected and used sparingly to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, reflecting admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially crucial when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

The key to stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is what matters most to clients, as the market is flooded with fakes. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.