A MEISSEN GOLD-MOUNTED RECTANGULAR TWIN-COMPARTMENT BOX AND COVERS, CIRCA 1755 | A TABACCO SNUFFBOX WITH TWO COMPARTMENTS AND COVERS (BOÎTE-À-DEUX-TABACS), BOTH COVERS ON THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE PAINTED WITH LANDSCAPES AND ROCOCO FIGURES, ALL FOUR SIDES WITH COURTLY SOCIETIES BEFORE CITY VIEWS

painted with vignettes of figures in river landscapes among statuary and before buildings in the distance, with vignettes across both covers to the exterior and interior, the hinged mounts chased with scrolls 

Christie's, Geneva, 11 November 1985, lot 178

Generally in good order. The right hand cover (exterior) has some scratching to the edge mostly affecting the standing figure of a gentleman in a green coat. Some minor chipping and flaking to the edges of the covers beside the gold mounts, probably from the time of mounting. They are very small and only visible through a loop.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Boxes divided into two compartments are rare in Meissen porcelain and were intended for the owner to have the choice of two types of snuff; an earlier version is recorded in Kaendler's workbook, May 1733, Bl. 215 r, entry 8, Ulrich Pietsch, Die Arbeitsberichte Des Meissener Porzellan Modelleurs Johan Joachim Kaendler 1706-1775, Leipzig, 2002, p. 19. However, it is interesting to note the use of a similar box in a Mundzeug or traveling cutlery set which may have been intended for salt and pepper, see Abraham den Blaauwen, Meissen porcelain in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, 2000, pp. 348-50, cat. no. 247.