This diplomatic gift was given in 1901 to the French statesman and foreign minister Théophile Delcassé, who would go on to become the French Ambassador to Russia (February 1913—March 1914). As a highly symbolic gift, he was given this presentation snuffbox made of nephrite and diamonds. This item in the Fabergé Museum’s collection has a rich history. On 22 April 1989, a 2771-ruble snuffbox containing a portrait of Emperor Nicholas II made by the artist Alexander Blaznov (the portrait alone was priced at 85 rubles), was given to Ivan Mikhailovich Gedeonov (1816– 1907), General of the Infantry and Senator. Less than two months after receiving it, the general sold his presentation snuffbox to the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty. On 11 June 1900, the Cabinet increased the snuffbox’s value by replacing the diamonds with others of higher quality and larger size. The new price was set at 4764 rubles. On 14 April 1901, this extremely expensive snuffbox was given to Delcassé. As foreign minister, he prepared Emperor Nicholas II’s visit to France in September of that year and the return visit of the French President Émile Loubet to Russia, which took place in 1902.