Museum - Snuff Bottle - Anthropomorphic Snuff Bottle, Sulphide Eyes - Shake - Folk Art

Second half of the 19th century France – Massif Central Carved wooden snuffbox in the shape of a flask, decorated over its entire surface with potted flowers, quadrifoliate motifs, dotted lines and stylized hearts. The ensemble, remarkably rich in ornamentation, reflects the virtuosity and fantasy of a 19th-century rural craftsman. The stopper depicts an expressive man's head, with an open mouth and eyes encrusted with sulphide, a rare and striking detail that gives the object an almost votive or protective character. Curious highlights of small rhinestones enliven the surface, adding an unexpected sparkle to the dark patina of the wood. This use of shiny elements, sometimes from salvage, testifies to the spontaneous creativity of popular sculpture and its taste for ornament mixed with symbolism. The floral decoration, dominated by the heart and the quadrifoliate, is part of the sentimental and spiritual repertoire of folk art: motifs of fertility, luck and fidelity, transmitted in everyday objects. These ornaments, far from being purely decorative, often carried an intimate symbolic value, close to the amulet or the talisman. Monoxyl work, hand-carved, with dense and deeply hollowed relief. Matte brown patina, slightly worn on the protruding areas, accentuating the contrast between the wood and the luminous inlays. Rare and singular object, oscillating between utilitarian sculpture, protective talisman and decorative fantasy, representative of the freedom of invention specific to 19th century folk art. Condition: small accidents and old losses, small chips on the reliefs, wear consistent with age. Dimensions: Height 14 cm ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.