A RARE 18TH CENTURY COQUILLA NUT SNUFF BOX CARVED WITH A BEAST

of ovoid form, the hinged lid carved in relief with a scene of two cherubs making wine, the body with a further pair of putti flanking a shield surrounded by scrolling acanthus leaves, one end carved with the face of a grotesque beast,

8cm in long

These finely carved coquilla nuts do appear on the market occassionally, and similar examples featuring grotesque beasts and cherubs have been sold at auction before, however this example is particularly rare as it has been modelled as a snuff box.