| Description
This oval snuffbox is made from chrysoprase, a green variety of
quartz that was used extensively in Europe until the middle of the
last century. The box and cover are carved from single pieces of
chrysoprase and are set with diamond, gold and hardstone scrolls,
vines and flowers. The diamonds are set over pink, green and yellow
foil. The sides and the base
are similarly applied with relief hardstones and gems.
Commentary
Chrysoprase was a particular favourite of Frederick II, the Great
of Prussia. It used to be mined in Silesia, then a part of Prussia,
but fell out of favour once the Silesian deposits were exhausted.
Today, most of the world’s supply of chrysoprase comes from
Australia.
It is recorded that Frederick owned eight
chrysoprase snuffboxes and that this one was presented by Frederick
to his brother Augustus Wilhelm. The design is probably by Jean
Guillaume George Kruger Kruger, a London-trained designer who moved
to Berlin in 1753 and designed a series of snuffboxes in the Prussian
royal collection. This particular box dates from around 1755.
Glossaries
foil, or foil-backed –
placing metal foil behind gemstones to reflect the light
back to the
collection
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Chrysoprase, gold and diamond set snuffbox
once owned by Frederick II, the Great of Prussia. Made in Berlin c. 1755.
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the
Gilbert silver