An early 20^th century Iraqi unmarked silver and niello snuff or tobacco box, Nasiriyah circa 1910

Early period, of compressed rectangular form with a gently domed lid raised by a simple thumbpiece. The lid with an oval cartouche nielloed with a river scene with the Taq Kasra (Ruins of Ctesiphon), a mudhif and a boatman in a gufa, all reserved with trailing foliage. The sides and underside with niello checkerboard pattern, the underside centre with a floral spray.

Length – 9.7 cm / 3.8 inches

Weight – 104 grams / 3.34 ozt

The use of the checkerboard pattern and the large leafy foliage is drawn from Armenian niello work tobacco boxes and cigarette cases produced in Van at the end of the 19^th and early 20^th century.