Snuff bottle with stopper
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Agate, mottled
Dimensions
H. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm)
Classification
Snuff Bottles
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.984a, b
Art Historical Context
This exquisite snuff bottle with stopper, crafted from mottled agate during China's Qing dynasty (16441911), exemplifies the refined artistry of 18th–19th luxury goods. Standing just 2 7/8 inches (7.3 cm) tall, its compact form was designed for portability, slipping easily into a gentleman's pocket or sleeve. Snuff bottles like this one were introduced to China by European traders in the 17th century and quickly evolved into coveted status symbols among the elite, blending functionality with aesthetic splendor. Made from agate—a semi-precious stone prized for its natural translucency and intr...