Certainly the most characteristic works by Johann Christian
Neuber, the Steinkabinettabatieres (stone cabinet snuffboxes),
were made of gold and Saxon gemstones. Numbers
engraved on the gold rims indicated the featured stones,
which were listed in an accompanying booklet along with
the site where they were found.
Much beloved by Friedrich Augustus III, Neuber's snuffboxes
were often intended as diplomatic gifts. Easily recognizable
by their portrait of the Elector of Saxony on the lid,
such royal presents are today quite rare.
Bonbonnière (candy box) made of 77 samples of Saxon gemstones
Accompanied by its manuscript booklet
Dresden, c. 1785–90
Gold, agate, jasper, chalcedony, amethyst, petrified wood, and faux-pearls
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Grünes Gewölbe
The exhibition is co-organized by the Grünes Gewölbe of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Galerie J. Kugel, Paris, and The Frick Collection. Support for the presentation in New York is generously provided by Walter and Vera Eberstadt, Aso O. Tavitian, Margot and Jerry Bogert, and an anonymous donor.
