Dutch Box - Use and Depicted Story Uncertain

[dognose]

Hi,

A Dutch box (126 x 55 x 35mm and weighs 261grammes) with both sliding (top and bottom) and lift up panels, but with an unknown use. It is struck with pseudo marks.

Does anyone know the use of such a box, and can anybody interpret the story? My only thoughts are that this may relate to Leda and the swan, but I am uncertain.

























Any thoughts appreciated.

Trev.

[Francais]

It is a Dutch tobacco box, or at least that is what I was always told. The various scenes are spring, summer, winter, etc. These are for everyone to see. Usually underneath the covered windows, one finds scenes that are a bit risque. As i remember the ones I've had were a bit more risque than this one. The main subject is Leda and the swan, oddly considered a romantic subject matter all over Europe. As we all know it is not as old as the marks suggest. I also find it a bit odd that the Dutch have scenes hidden under closed windows, as we all know the Dutch for not covering their windows. While I usually prefer silver in this case I prefer the pressed out brass boxes, as they have more interesting historical subject matters.
Maurice

[dognose]

Hi Maurice,

Thanks for your thoughts.

There is only the one engraving that appears to me to depict Leda and the Swan, the rest seem to be a jumble, with the exception of the four seasons. I find it strange that the two fishing scenes are behind the flaps, perhaps there is some hidden meaning to them that is lost on me.

Trev.

[Francais]

I remembered seeing one on an auction site recently, and being a bit surprised at the low price it sold for.
I went back to see the subject matter just now, but it turns out it is the one you posted. I appraised one I sold years ago in an estate of a relative for considerably more. It and another one, as I remember had a quite risque scenes under the windows, but I will check the next time I visit. I don't see much meaning to fishing, I just think the one you posted is the censored version.
Maurice

[dognose]

Hi Maurice,

Thanks again for your thoughts, they are appreciated.

The box is not mine, I'm just doing some research for a friend.

Trev.

[oel]

Hi Trev,

Herewith another look-alike tobacco box made early 20th century.








As described by the auction house.
Dutch Silver Tobacco Box 5''x2.25''x1.25''. 18th Century. It is etched with depictions of the four seasons with Leda & the Swan in centre. The inside has an arrow latch with two windows depicting courting scenes against a brown velvet background. The doors have two winged men playing horns on them. The box has three hallmarks of a rampant lion with a crown and the letter ''D''. Also maker's initials ''HI''. It weighs 7.8 troy ounces total, auction estimate; three figures-low end four figures.
Actually, if you look closely, makers’ mark (AS above 2) for; the firm of A Stolk and made around 1919-1943, we also can see the sword mark; standard mark for small objects. I believe only one ‘sheet’ of the box has seen the assay office and later been made part of the construction of the box.

Back to the tobacco box in question, Leda and the Swan is a story and subject in art from Greek mythology in which the god Zeus, in the form of a swan, seduces, or rapes, Leda.hunting for the deer. The Dutch proverb; to fish can have various (double) meanings, especially when a man and woman are doing it together; to fish for a compliment, to take the bait, and hurrah we can fish the whole year, from spring till winter and so on.
Enjoy the box!



Best,

Oel.