Museum-quality gold agate snuff box, a so-called ‘stone cabinet’, attributed to Johann Christian Neuber of Dresden, c. 1780

292-4295  Museum-quality gold agate snuff box, a so-called ‘stone cabinet’, attributed to Johann Christian Neuber of Dresden, c. 1780

Ca. 8.5 x 6.2 x 3 cm, ca. 172 g, octagonal case, later fitted with two French import hallmarks for gold dated 1864–1893. The octagonal snuffbox is set with 60 numbered stones (a very typical feature, also found on other snuffboxes by Neuber) of semi-translucent and opaque hard stones, including a variety of dendritic and banded agates, jasper, chalcedony and others, separated by narrow gold bars. The hinged lid is set with 16 stones, each individually numbered on the gold bars on the inside of the lid. In the centre is an oval portrait cartouche beneath a domed rose quartz with a narrow blue enamel border, framed by a wide, chased and engraved frame. The base is similarly designed; the numbers 45 to 60 are engraved on the gold bars around the edge and radiate outwards from a central oval agate panel. The sides are set with 28 rectangular agate inlays set within narrow gold frames and are also numbered (17 to 44). The gold borders on the lid are geometric and engraved with ovals and flowers; the vertical bars feature a wavy pattern, and the surrounding base strip is decorated with an interlaced band motif. The box is of outstanding quality and in very good condition. Johann Christian Neubers’ precious boxes are now held in major collections and museums around the world. They possess a special allure. Both the meticulous technique of the gem-setting and the gem-cutting itself, and above all the very tasteful selection and arrangement of the stones, have long made Neuber’s boxes highly sought-after collector’s items. The Dresden court jeweller and gem-cutter Johann Christian Neuber (1736–1808) learnt the crafts of goldsmithing and gem-cutting in Dresden under his future father-in-law, Heinrich Taddel. In 1762, he was admitted to the Dresden Goldsmiths’ Guild. From 1767 he worked for the court; from 1769 he was in charge of the Green Vault; and in 1775 he was appointed court jeweller. Neuber’s works are characterised by early Classicism. His speciality was the creation of snuff boxes adorned with gold and gemstones, which were frequently presented as royal gifts. In 1781, as a token of honour from the Saxon King Friedrich August for the French diplomat Baron de Breteuil, who played a key role in bringing about the Peace of Teschen, Neuber crafted a ceremonial table, which is regarded as his masterpiece. Further octagonal ‘Steinkabinett’ snuff boxes by Johann Christian Neuber are illustrated and described in *Gold, Jasper and Carnelian: Johann Christian Neuber at the Saxon Court*, edited by Alexis Kugel, London 2012. A round ‘Steinkabinett’ snuff box is held in the Hermitage collection. If any of his works come onto the market at all, they fetch collector’s prices at auction. Examples: 1. https://www.cortrie.de/go/AZO 2.https://www.cortrie.de/go/Wo8 3. https://www.cortrie.de/go/24R 4. https://www.cortrie.de/go/xjD