Snuffbox in the shape of a shoe

Polychrome earthenware in the shape of a shoe with a Louis XVI type knot, topped by the initial "H". Early 19th century.

It was in the 16th century, at the court of Catherine de Medicis, that people began to take snuff for medical reasons, to treat colds, asthma and circulatory disorders... Then this habit became a pleasure. At the beginning for people in good condition, then the practice became more democratic. Breathing in a scented powder that could mask the very unpleasant odours of the streets at that time made the fashion spread throughout the kingdom and then to Europe. Herbs or fine oils were added to snuff to refine its taste. Women were just as enthusiastic about snuff as men. It was fashionable to change snuff boxes every day. The snuffbox became a fashion accessory and an important status symbol. At the end of the 19th century, snuff was gradually replaced by cigars, cigarettes and rolling tobacco.