Images(4)

Snuff box

DateCa. 1720

Artist/Maker John Obrisset

OriginEngland, London

MediumHorn

DimensionsDiam.: 3 3/4"; OH: 1"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2001-19,A&B

DescriptionHorn snuff box: the lid of this circular pressed horn box is embossed with the bust of an enslaved individual wearing a collar. Below the bust are the embossed initials "OB" for maker, John Obrisset. John (Jean) Obrisset was considered the premier maker of horn and tortoiseshell boxes. He was the son of an ivory carver who emigrated to London from Dieppe, France with the Restoration. He converted his father's ivory carving techniques to that of heating, moulding and carving both horn and tortoiseshell. He was not recorded as a member of any of the guilds, but his name (usually monogrammed OB) appears on many horn and tortoiseshell boxes of the late 17th and early 18th century. Obrisset specialized in portraits, particularly of English monarchs (from Charles I to George II), among other topics, as well as mythology. As well there are four variants of a box with the name and Arms of Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596), executed in 1712, but celebrating his earlier circumnavigation of the world from 1577 to 1580. Many of his moulds were drawn from commissioned medals, particularly by those by John Roettiers. Obrisset first appears in English records on the 26th July 1691, at the baptism of his daughter. Obrisset's works date from 1705-1728, the latter being the last known date on his boxes. Obrisset is represented in both horn and tortoiseshell in major museums, both in America and the United Kingdom.

For related information, see John Obrisset and His work in Horn & Tortoiseshell, Philip A.S. Phillips.
Label TextJohn (Jean) Obrisset was considered the premier maker of horn and tortoiseshell boxes. He was the son of an ivory carver who emigrated to London from Dieppe, France with the Restoration. He converted his father's ivory carving techniques to that of heating, moulding and carving both horn and tortoiseshell. He was not recorded as a member of any of the guilds, but his name (usually monogrammed OB) appears on many horn and tortoiseshell boxes of the late 17th and early 18th century. Obrisset specialized in portraits, particularly of English Statesmen and Monarchs (from Charles I to George II), among other topics, as mythology. As well there are four variants of a box with the name and Arms of Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596), executed in 1712, but celebrating his earlier circumnavigation of the world from 1577 to 1580. Many of his moulds were drawn from commissioned medals, particularly by those by John Roettiers. Obrisset first appears in English records on the 26th July 1691, at the baptism of his daughter. Obrisset's works date from 1705-1728, the latter being the last known date on his boxes. Obrisset is represented in both horn and tortoiseshell in major museums, both in America and the United Kingdom.

For related information, see John Obrisset and His work in Horn & Tortoiseshell, Philip A.S. Phillips.
Markings"OB" embossed below bust, on right