The Lany and the Unicorn Silver and Enamel Snuffbox

This French silver snuffbox features an incredible enameled reinterpretation of one of the famed 15th-century tapestries collectively known as The Lady and the Unicorn. The body of the box is crafted of silver with a 935 fineness, with the interior retaining much of its gilt wash. According to the inscription on both the interior and exterior of the case, the tapestry is known as a "Gobelin" tapestry, named after the factory at which it was woven, is held in a Paris decorative arts museum, which would be the Musée de Cluny where the tapestries can still be found.

The particular tapestry upon which this enamel is based depicts an allegory of the sense of hearing. In it, a courtly lady plays the organ, while her maid operates the bellows. The motifs of the unicorn and the lion are common images found in all the tapestries in the set.

First half, 20th century

3 7/8" wide x 5" deep x 1 1/4" high