It wasn't until centuries later—in the drawing rooms of Victorian England—that these humble containers evolved into objects worthy of embellishment. It’s worth noting the timing: in 1872, the rotary tablet press ushered in an era of mass-produced medicines and pharmaceutical revolution. 

By then, Victorians were already well-versed in the art of the precious personal container. Carrying snuff had become a symbol of social cache, establishing a precedent for exquisitely crafted small boxes that slipped discreetly into coat pockets and evening bags. In high society, the wealthy commissioned custom snuff boxes cast in gold and silver, often adorned with precious stones, portrait miniatures, or classical hand-painted vignettes, while more accessible versions emerged in tortoise-shell and mother-of-pearl.

Some of the most coveted examples came from York House in London's Battersea district, whose exquisite enameled boxes produced between 1753-1756 were so desirable that even their undecorated bases were repurposed by other manufacturers. Each notable producer became known for signature styles bearing their maker's hallmark—some featuring hidden compartments or mirrors, others displaying elaborate engine-turned patterns or semi-precious stone settings—transforming these miniature boxes into collectible works of art.

In an era obsessed with ritual and refinement, when even retrieving one's smelling salts could become a moment of social theater, the more ornate the box, the more theatrical its presentation. Their diminutive size made them perfect vessels for showcasing a silversmith's most precise work—the smaller the canvas, the more impressive the artistry.