The interior has a handwritten label inscribed: ‘Feldspath u. sibirischer granit’. This box was conceived rather as a record of an unusual geological occurrence. In this hardstone, known in Germany as Allianzstein, granite and feldspar are fused together, creating a striking contrast of opacity and translucency. The gold mounts are chased with simple repeat motifs that do not distract from the hardstone specimen. This snuffbox was carved from a single block.

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