Snuff Bottle

Art Historical Context

This exquisite snuff bottle, crafted in 19th-century China during the Qing dynasty (164–1911), exemplifies the refined artistry of a golden age for these diminutive luxury objects. Snuff bottles like this one were designed to hold powdered tobacco, a fashionable import from Europe that became a status symbol among the Chinese elite, scholars, and officials. Carried in sleeves or pockets, they served both practical and decorative purposes, often doubling as miniature sculptures that showcased the owner's taste and wealth. Made from a rare coral root with an amber stopper, this 3-inch (7.6 cm) ...