Exceptional Louis XVI Blond Tortoiseshell, 18K Gold Piqué & Sentimental Hairwork Snuff Box, Inscribed "À Camilie," France, c. 1785–1800 artist with easel near the hinge

near the hinge

at some point adjusted slightly to band at the clasp area (notice on photos that it is very slightly noticeable on band's outer side where it's been worked to look like the mesh

which began 3 years later

a truly visual experience here with all of those smaller separate scenes

beautifully crafted but has been dropped at some point and does have some very long-ago restoration on one end (see images)

Exceptional Louis XVI Blond Tortoiseshell, 18K Gold Piqué & Sentimental Hairwork Snuff Box, Inscribed "À Camilie," France, c. 1785–1800 artist with easel near the hingeFew objects capture the romance and refined artistry of the late eighteenth century as beautifully as this extraordinary French Louis XVI snuff box, exquisitely fashioned of luminous blond tortoiseshell and lavishly ornamented throughout with intricate tri color 18 karat gold piqu work. Measuring a generous 3 inches in diameter, the box is centered by an exceptional sentimental hairwork tableau beneath its original convex glass crystal. Created