An carved snuffbox made of coquilla nut

France, first half of the 19th century.

Ex-collection: Mario Crijns, oosterhout.

In the 16th century, at the court of Catherine de’ Medici, snuff began to be used for medical reasons, to combat colds, asthma and circulatory disorders, later, this custom became a pleasure. Initially, it was reserved for people of standing, but later the practice became more widespread. Inhaling a perfumed powder that could mask the very unpleasant odours of the streets at that time ensured that the fashion spread throughout the kingdom and subsequently across Europe. Herbs or fine oils were added to the snuff to refine the flavour. Women were just as enthusiastic about snuff as men. It was fashionable to change snuff boxes every day. The snuff box became a fashion accessory and an important status symbol. By the end of the 19th century, snuff was gradually replaced by cigars, cigarettes and rolling tobacco.