INDO-PORTUGUESE WORK circa 1730 - 1750, GOA (probably) - Lot 43

INDO-PORTUGUESE WORK circa 1730 - 1750, GOA (probably) 18kt gold double snuffbox featuring a miniature shoe enhanced on the edges of the lid, sole and heel with a line of emeralds and rubies. On the vamp, simulating the buckle, is a diamond encircled by smaller diamonds. The two hinged openings are engraved on the reverse with a flower blossoming on a branch, and on the lid with a depiction of a Portuguese merchant reclining between two curtains held in place by tiebacks, his right hand resting on his temple, wearing long, baggy pants. The end of the shoe is pierced, indicating that this rare object was probably fitted with a chain worn over a garment. Gross weight: 91 g - length: 7 cm - height: 3.7 cm Spectrometer : Au: 83.4 Ag: 9.7, Cu: 6.5, Fe: 0.3 Condition: stones missing and diamond chips Many thanks to my colleagues Camille Celier and Vanessa Soupault.