Consumed With Consumption: Sheer Luxury - (Page 2 of 5)

'Conspicuous consumption' describes how we compete with each other through the things we own. Luxury goods are the most extreme example, like the mechanical mouse, a luxury toy for adults with no purpose other than looking expensive and providing amusement. The astronomical watch is also made from precious materials and is expensively decorated.

A further dimension of exclusiveness is added by the snuff box. Its most stunning decoration is inside and was only visible if you were offered snuff by its owner and therefore treated as an equal. Exquisite work can be seen in the designs on the Pistol made in Nuremberg in the early 17th century. Although the designs on the pistol's stock and barrel depict hunting scenes, the fine inlay and engraving suggest that such a weapon was too precious to even use for the occasional hunt.