Early 18th Century Dutch Brass Tobacco Box Depicting the City of Delft Culture / Period: Post-Medieval, Dutch Date / Period: 17th–18th century Material: Brass Dimensions: 178 x 50 x 40 mm Condition: Good condition, with expected wear, minor surface marks, and patina consistent with age and use No shipping outside the European Union. Due to complex export regulations concerning cultural goods, this item cannot be shipped outside the EU. Please ensure you have a delivery address within the European Union before placing a bid. Provenance information: Object Registration ID: 97 The current owner purchased the object from a private collector, P.G., in Reuver (the Netherlands). The previous owner, a private collector P.G. from Reuver, stated that the object had been in his collection since an unknown date. According to the previous owner, the object had previously been part of a private collection in the Netherlands since the 1990s. No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object is available. Background Information: This elongated brass tobacco box is a characteristic example of Dutch craftsmanship from the late 17th to early 18th century, a period during which tobacco consumption had become deeply embedded in daily life across the Dutch Republic. Such boxes were commonly used to store loose tobacco, protecting it from moisture while allowing for convenient transport. They were owned and used by a wide range of individuals, from merchants to artisans, reflecting the widespread adoption of tobacco as both a social and personal habit. The engraved decoration on the lid depicts a stylised view of the city of Delft, accompanied by an inscription referring to the city. Delft, an important urban centre in the province of Holland, was renowned for its role in trade, industry, and particularly for its production of Delftware ceramics. City views on tobacco boxes were a popular motif, often celebrating urban pride or commemorating places of personal or commercial significance. Comparable examples, including similar representations of Delft, are known in museum collections such as Museum De Lakenhal, confirming the presence of an established decorative tradition. The production of such tobacco boxes was part of a well-organised craft industry. Brass examples like this were typically manufactured using rolled sheets, shaped and hinged with precision, and subsequently engraved by skilled artisans. The engraved scenes were often executed in a relatively naïve yet expressive style, combining architectural elements with landscape features to create recognisable cityscapes. These objects were produced in significant numbers, yet individual variations in engraving ensure that each piece retains a distinct character. Dutch tobacco boxes were widely distributed through trade networks, both within the Netherlands and across Europe. Such objects have been found in regions far beyond their place of manufacture, illustrating the extensive commercial reach of the Dutch Republic during this period. They served not only as practical containers but also as personal items reflecting identity, taste, and sometimes civic affiliation. This example, with its clear reference to Delft, fits within this broader cultural and economic context of the Dutch Golden Age and its aftermath. It illustrates the intersection of daily life, craftsmanship, and urban identity in the early modern period. As such, it forms a tangible connection to the past, offering insight into the habits and material culture of the people who used such objects in their everyday lives."