Two Victorian Papier-mâché Shell Inlaid Snuff Boxes, c1860-1880

Two Victorian Papier-mâché black lacquered snuff boxes, featuring hand cut and inlaid abalone shell decoration, c1860-1880. The lids affixed via a brass hinge, opening smoothly and closing nice and tight.

A versatile craft technique with roots in ancient China, in which waste paper is shredded and mixed with water and a binder to produce a pulp ideal for modelling or moulding, which dries to a hard surface. The Victorians loved to experiment with new materials and one of their favourites was Papier-mâché. By the time Queen Victoria came to the throne, there were at least 25 companies producing Papier-mâché items. The most common pieces being trays, workboxes, inkstands, face screens, snuff boxes and letter holders. Eventually they moved on to larger items and furniture  – even wardrobes and beds! Most were produced in black, but occasionally in red and green, the pieces were very ornately decorated with flowers, birds and patterns – frequently embellished in gold. Some of the finer pieces were inlaid with shimmering mother-of-pearl or abalone shell, like these two boxes.

Measurements: Larger box: 9cm x 5cm. Smaller box: 7.5cm x 4.5cm.

Condition: Good condition with no evident rips, staining or restoration the the artwork. Colours are still