gold boxes - introduction

he Gilbert Collection contains over 200 gold boxes, most of which were made as containers for snuff, a form of powdered and scented tobacco became a craze throughout 18th-century Europe. As snuff-taking* developed into an elaborate social ritual it gave rise to an entirely new art form of superbly made and very expensive boxes that reflected the luxurious tastes of the aristocracy. Gold snuff boxes were also used as important diplomatic gifts and were often presented as rewards by grateful monarchs.

Goldsmiths, stone polishers, enamel painters and miniaturists collaborated to create snuffboxes, each one a masterpiece of sumptuous decoration and design.

The Gilbert Collection includes boxes made in Paris, Berlin, London, Dresden and Vienna, often for kings and emperors such as Louis XV and Napoleon. The stars of this stunning collection are the brilliantly jewelled boxes made for Frederick the Great of Prussia, whose energy and ambition are marked by six overwhelming and richly worked confections of gold, diamonds and hardstones.

* A pinch of snuff was usually sprinkled on the back of the hand and then inhaled - it was not intended to be smoked.