M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES & FINE ARTS
 

 

well carved coquilla nut snuff flask

Early 19th Century, Probably France

 

 

The elongated oval nut caved with a bugbear* type face at one end, and having a stopper at the other,

that end also resembling a face, using the natural shape to form “eyes”, a protruding nose and mouth,

the sides elaborately carved with a seated winged angel being kissed by a hunting hound

and sided by fruiting trees (probably pomegranate),

 the reverse with a musical medallion depicting a harp, lute and flutes, all below a row of large tropical leaves  

 

*A bugbear, also called a boogerbear, is a legendary creature comparable to the bogeyman, bogey, bugaboo, hobgoblin and other creatures of folklore, all of which were historically used in some cultures to frighten disobedient children. In medieval England, for instance, the Bugbear was a creepy and gigantic bear that lurked in the woods; children were warned not to stray too far from home or misbehave, for "the Bugbear will get you." In a modern context, the term bugbear serves as a metaphor for something which is annoying or irritating.” (Wiki)

 

The coquilla nut emanates from swampy areas on the eastern side of South America, from a palm known as the “attalea funiefera”. Brazilians call it “Piassabe”.  The nuts were introduced into Western Europe in the mid-16th century, and used for small carved objects until the end of the 19th century.

 

For a discussion on coquilla nuts, see Pinto, Treen and Other Wooden Bygones,

 pp 194-6, and Plates 250 -207.

Plates 206-7 show similarly carved nuts – K-M (Pl. 207) carved with “bugbear” faces.

 

Condition : Very good to excellent, with old nicks, scratches and shrinkage cracks appropriate to age and usage

 

3.5” Long / 2.6 oz.

 

SOLD 

 

#6741

Please Inquire 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Also See :

 

  Late 18th Century Lignum Vitae Snuff Flask Georgian Carved Coquilla Nut Nutmeg Grater, Early 19c, England Georgian Carved Coquilla Nut Nutmeg Grater, Early 19c, England Georgian_Coquilla_Nut_Nutmeg_Grater  
 

Late 18th Century Lignum Vitae Snuff
Flask
, Probably Scandinavian

Carved Crowned Hunchback Fruitwood Snuffbox, Late 18th Century

Scottish Burr Elm Root Snuff Mull

Early19th Century

Georgian Carved Coquilla Nut
Nutmeg Grater

England, early 19th century

 

 

 

 


 

 

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M. Ford Creech Antiques & Fine Arts / 581 South Perkins Road /  Memphis, TN 38117 / USA /  Wed.-Sat. 11-6, or by appointment

 


 

 

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 Well Carved 19th Century Coquilla Nut Snuff Flask

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