Gold boxes, also known as snuff boxes, were a quintessential status symbol dating from the late 17^th century. In this latest video, discover how these portable works of art began with a human weakness and hear how each item was a very personal object specific to the individual owner. Highlights offered in Sotheby’s upcoming sale A Treasury of Vertu: Important Gold Boxes from a Private Family Collection (10 December | London) include an enamel gold jewelled snuff box, a rare gold snuff box with a hidden compartment, and several works intricately carved in the shape of animals. Click here to watch more Sotheby’s videos.

Past Auction

A TREASURY OF VERTU: Important Gold Boxes from a Private Family Collection

10 December 2020 | 1:30 PM GMT | London