An Egyptian Silver Plated Snuff Container by Chaim Kohen Tzabon, Circa 1930

Chaim Kohen Tzabon was a prominent Jewish silversmith from the Ottoman Empire, known for his fine craftsmanship in silver, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He worked primarily in the region of what is now Turkey, producing intricate silver and Judaica items, such as Torah ornaments, spice boxes, and other ceremonial objects used in Jewish religious rituals.

Tzabon’s works were highly regarded for their detail and artistry, often featuring traditional Jewish symbols and motifs. His pieces were typically handmade and showcased a blend of local Ottoman influences with Jewish artistic traditions, making them highly valued by collectors and within the Jewish community.

The hinged lid opens to reveal an interior designed to hold finely ground snuff. An ownership inscription is engraved into the center of the lid in Hebrew ” Morris N. Shaham”. The silver plating adds a sleek, polished finish, giving it a luxurious and timeless appeal. Its compact size, coupled with its decorative design, makes it both a functional and decorative piece, representative of the era’s cultural fusion between traditional Egyptian and early modern influences.

Signed on the back of the snuff box with the artist’s name.