Tobacco scratcher with polychrome enamels

oval shaped metal, decorated with polychrome enamels depicting in the centre a miniature portrait of a noblewoman, set in a frame, with a bucolic background showing two sheep on the left and, at the top, floral decorations.On the back, the grater typical of these tools is missing, a generally rough or toothed part. The tobacco grater in the 17th century was a tool used to prepare snuff, as tobacco was sold in leaves or in compressed bunches, and therefore had to be reduced to a fine powder in order to be inhaled according to the common usage of the time. Snuff was very popular among the European upper classes in the 17th century, considered a sign of sophistication and social status.

Item condition grading: **** good.The lot is in a good state of preservation with the normal wear and defects commensurate with the period and use over time. The grater is missing on the back. Some small enamel falls on the sides.

Height x width: 17 x 6.5 cm. Weight: 39 g.