Antique Two Piece Treen Snuff Box + Match Safe in the Form of a Boot ring holder The cups measure 2 1/2"

The cups measure 2 1/2" tall and 2 1/2" across at rim and 3 1/8 across at handle

offered to guests in a gesture of hospitality for them to select their preferred ingredients

full speed ahead

I believe this unusual mid-century Bitossi ceramic vessel once had a stopper and was made to function as a decanter--and a fabulous one I think it would make

and some dulling/clouding of the finish on the top

Antique Two Piece Treen Snuff Box + Match Safe in the Form of a Boot ring holder The cups measure 2 1/2"I am a sucker for an interesting snuff box, and also for a carved boot or shoe (including boot shaped vesta), but I've never seen all of these rolled into one, as is this case with this wonderful, very old and very well done piece. The upper of the boot is itself a vessel, meant to hold matches, and lifts off of the the shoe shaped piece below, revealing it as a vessel as well, for holding snuff. Both stand on their own, then fit back together to