Large Imperial Snuffbox In Inlaid Steel

Tula, Imperial Russia - Circa 1850

Black polished steel, silver and yellow metal
Dimensions: 16 × 8 × 4.5 cm

Rare and important rectangular snuffbox in black polished steel from the prestigious imperial manufactures of Tula, a famous Russian metallurgical center renowned in the XIXᵉ century for its ceremonial objects for the aristocracy and officers of the imperial court.

The set features a remarkable decoration of finely engraved and chased silver inlays, organized around an elegant central trellis framed by vegetal friezes and rosettes enhanced with a yellow metal evoking gold. The quality of the workmanship, the precision of the inlays and the balance of the ornamentation testify to a very high level of craftsmanship, typical of luxury production in Tula in the mid-19ᵉ century.

The lid reveals a sober interior in blackened steel, creating a refined contrast with the decorative richness of the exterior. The discreet presence of small gilded inlays lends the ensemble a typically imperial sophistication, in the spirit of Russian decorative arts under Nicholas I.

Large Tula snuffboxes of this quality, preserved in excellent condition and featuring such complete decoration, remain rare on the market today. These objects were highly sought-after by European collectors as early as the XIXᵉ century and feature in several museum collections devoted to Russian decorative arts.

Excellent state of preservation.
Museum-quality piece.