Johann Heinrich Giese
Tobacco Box

MakerGerman, 1716–1761, active Iserlohn c. 1756
CultureGerman
Titles
  • Tobacco Box
Datec. 1750–1760
Made inIserlohn, Germany
MediumBrass
Dimensions1 3/16 × 6 3/8 in. (3 × 16.2 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg
Object numberB.60.8
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Newport Room
Exposé

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Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
DescriptionThis box comes from a group of elongated tobacco boxes that were made in Iserlohn, Germany, close to the Dutch border. The stamped decoration was applied using a round matrix that was rolled onto the sheet brass before cutting, folding, and hinging. They were cheaper to produce than the engraved Dutch examples. The engraver Johann Heinrich Giese invented this rolling stamp. In 1755, Frederick the Great granted Giese a monopoly to produce these boxes. They offered a cheap and fashionable means of spreading propaganda, and many are stamped with scenes glorifying Frederick's achievements in the Seven Years' War (1756–63).
Provenance[Cogar, Lewis, and Geiger, Williamsburg, Virginia]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, 1960; given to MFAH, by 1966.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Inscribed on lid: "TRIUMPHI / FRIDERICI / MAXIMI"
Marked on lid: "IOH HENI / GEISE FF"

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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