This oval gold snuff-box may have been produced to a commission from the Russian court by the Parisian craftsman Louis Cousin in the 1780s. The lid bears a miniature with childhood portraits of Grand Dukes Alexander and Konstantin, the grandsons of Catherine II in whom she vested great hope. Perhaps that is why Konstantin Pavlovich is depicted with the banner of Constantinople.
The snuff-box is decorated with sheets of lapis lazuli attached to the gold base from the outside. The edge of the lid, bottom, medallions and side are decorated with frames of pearls and half-pearls. Around the side are four painted enamel medallions featuring attributes of science and art.
The snuff-box was kept in the Gallery of Jewellery from the mid-19th century.