Snuff-box of Peter I After 1712 Ivory, turning and engraving 1.5 x 8.7 x 6 cm According to a note enclosed in a snuff-box, the latter was turned by Peter I himself and presented to Countess Chernyshova. In the early 18th century, objects decorated with ivory became very popular in Russia. Turnery workshops were established at many European courts, where monarchs would pass their hours in simple pursuits, mastering various crafts. From the early 1720s Peter's "Turnery Shop" was renowned as one of the best of the royal turneries. Twelve surviving tumblers made at this "Turnery Shop" are now in the museum collection. Lathework was one of Peter's favorite pastimes, as it gave rein to his natural artistic bent and skill in scientific and technical invention.