Joseph-étienne Blerzy – Round Snuffbox In 18-karat Gold And Enamel, Paris, Circa 1774–1778

An elegant round French snuff box crafted from 18-karat gold, finely engraved with a guilloché pattern and embellished with rich blue and white enamel decoration. The lid features an elegant concentric guilloché pattern, framed by a border of deep blue enamel adorned with a series of small circular elements in matte white enamel, designed to resemble pearls. In the center is an elegant rosette in gold and blue enamel, also surrounded by tiny simulated pearls in white enamel. The same decoration is repeated on the bottom of the snuffbox, creating a refined symmetry between the two sides. The side panel, also finely guilloché, is bordered by bands of blue and white enamel. The piece bears several hallmarks attributable to 18th-century Parisian production and associated with the goldsmith Joseph-Étienne Blerzy, who was certified as a maître in Paris in 1768 and remained active until 1806. The presence of hallmarks dating to the period of Jean-Baptiste Fouache allows us to plausibly date the creation of the piece to around 1774–1778. The snuffbox is in excellent condition, retaining the brilliance of the gold, the finesse of the guilloché work, and the quality of the enamel decoration.

Paris, circa 1774–1778.

Materials: 18-karat gold, blue and white enamels
Weight: 79 g
Diameter: 5.9 cm
Height: 2.3 cm