Metals
Gerrit V. Dyn (Maker)
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, Europe
1670-1676
Silver; Tortoise shell (marine turtle)
Molded, Engraved
1965.1351
Object Number1965.1351 |
Tobacco box
Metals
Gift of Henry Francis du Pont
Gerrit V. Dyn (Maker)
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, Europe
1670-1676
1. Mark; Lid, rim, opposite handle; "GD / {B or D]" stamped in shield with a semi-circle drop
2. Mark; Lid, rim, opposite handle; "GD / {B or D]" stamped in shield with a semi-circle drop
3. Inscription; Exterior, side near opening; "I * L * O" engraved
Silver; Tortoise shell (marine turtle)
Molded, Engraved
1.575 (H) , 3.622 (L) , 2.756 (W) , 4.2681 (Weight)
4 (H) , 9.2 (L) , 7 (W) , 121 (Weight)
In decorative arts, the term "tortoise shell" is commonly used to describe scutes, or plates, of the shell from Hawksbill, Green, or Loggerhead marine turtles. Turtles once flourished in tropical waters in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, with the Tortugas, the Cayman Islands, and the Mosquito Coast all having large populations before they were fished to near extinction. Early objects made from tortoise shell were an ultra-luxury for elite consumers in Europe and Asia. As a raw trade material, “shell” could be 8 to 10 times more costly than elephant tusk ivory during the 1700s. By the early 1800s, tortoise shell was in wide use for merchant-class fashion accessories such as tea caddies, magnifying lens cases, fans, boxes and vanity sets as well as handles on many elegant tools, but especially for lady’s hair combs. Tortoise shell as an artistic material transitioned from rare and exotic to widely-desirable and internationally-produced, and then back to scarcity within two centuries.
Portable containers designed to keep tobacco or snuff (finely ground tobacco) dry were made in many different materials, some with tinned interiors. This rounded, oval shaped tobacco box is made of tortoise shell on the top and bottom mounted in decoratively engraved silver bands.