Trio of Limoges porcelain tabatieres includes a heart shaped box of chocolates signed on interior "With Love". Verso is marked "Hand-painted Rochard. Limoges, France". Measures apprx 1" H x 2" W. Second tabatiere is a hand-painted purse marked on interior "Peint Main, Limoges, AM". Measures apprx 2" H x 1-1/2" W. Third tabatiere features a rectangular box with a ribbon. On interior is a bunch of pink roses. Marked "Peint Main, Rochard. Limoges, France". Measures apprx 1" H x 3" W.
The snuff box, "tabatiere" in French, became an immediate success. A century earlier a diplomat called Nicot introduced tobacco in France. During that time one did not smoke tobacco, it was snuffed instead. The snuff was wrapped in small linen bags and placed in leather pouches or silver, gold, wooden and ivory boxes. All of these materials were difficult to decorate or very expensive. Porcelain rapidly gained its place among these materials and soon thousands of different shapes of Tabatieres were made of porcelain. The parts of the box were assembled with a setting made of brass. Gold or silver latches were used to complement the setting.
150/250 Sold $149.50
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