Art
This small brass and copper box held snuff—finely ground tobacco inhaled as powder. Snuff was expensive, fashionable, and a sign of wealth. For the colonial merchant or gentleman who owned this, the box itself was a pocket advertisement of taste and means.
Art · Full story
You slip the cool metal box from your waistcoat pocket, feeling its satisfying weight. A quick twist of the lid, a practiced pinch between thumb and forefinger, and the sharp tobacco dust rises to your nose. In this moment, you're keeping pace with London fashion, right here in provincial America.
Reflect
What small object in your pocket or bag tells others who you are or want to be?