184

Ivory Tobacco rasp, France, 18th century

Height x width x depth: 21 x 5.5 x 3 cm. Weight: 62.5 g

Antique elephant ivory tobacco rasp in (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797) carved in relief.

This object, intended for the processing of snuff tobacco, is characterised by rich figurative and ornamental decoration.

The head features an architectural frame decorated with pearl motifs. The body depicts a mythological figure: a satyr with goat legs, a naked torso and a thick beard, playing a lyre. Around him are animals that seem enchanted by the music. The tip is decorated with plant motifs and scrolls that converge in a sort of stylised mask, with anthropomorphic and grotesque references. This element, common in Baroque and Rococo ornamentation, serves as a dramatic conclusion to the relief and contributes to giving the object a theatrical and precious appearance.

Tobacco rasps, widespread in Europe between the 17th and 18th centuries, were created to grate snuff tobacco rolls, known as carottes, in order to reduce them to powder. Initially simple metal tools, they were soon adorned with fine ivory, wood, or precious metal mountings, depending on the owner’s rank. France became the main center of production, with examples often carved in figurative and allegorical forms, now considered rare and valuable.

The decorative language, which alternates between mythological and naturalistic motifs, fully reflects the Rococo style and the symbolic universe of the European aristocratic elite.

This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate and expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union. (expertise Ce.S.Ar. 2025-235)

Provenance:
Count Luigi Rigi Luperti collection.