snuff bottle with stopper

Bi Rongjiu, artist

active late 1800s

snuff bottle with stopper, 1890–1920, Qing dynasty (1644–1911) to Republic of China (1911–1949)

Where object was made: China

Material/technique: reverse painting on glass; coral

Dimensions:
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 7.62 x 2.54 cm
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 3 x 1 in

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.1847

On display: Loo Gallery

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Thayer Today

Because of their small size and exquisite craftsmanship, Chinese snuff bottles were recommended objects for western women beginning to develop their art collections. Sallie Casey Thayer began acquiring snuff bottles during her study and collecting trips to Chicago. Often, Thayer would make large batch purchases. A receipt from Deakin’s Art Galleries, dated January 23, 1909, reveals that Thayer purchased 25 snuff bottles at a discount for a total of around $275. This bottle may have been included in that purchase. Look for it in a drawer in the Cabinet of Curiosities in the exhibition Empire of Things.

Black bats made of glass-overlay decorate this snuff bottle. Bats are considered lucky in China because ideographs (written signs or symbols that represent an idea or concept) for both “bat” and “luck” share the same pronunciation. Consequently, bats foretell good fortune.

Tap the image above to and swipe to view the reverse side of the bottle and a receipt from Marshall Field’s that may include this snuff bottle.

Empire of Things

This snuff bottle has a glass overlay with black bats. Bats are considered lucky in China because the written symbols for “bat” and “luck” share similar pronunciation. Consequently, bats are a symbol of good luck.

Cabinet of Curiosities

Empire of Things

Archive Label 2003:
Black bats made of glass-overlay decorate this snuff bottle. Bats are auspicious in China because ideographs (written signs or symbols that represent an idea or concept) for both “bat” and “luck” share the same pronunciation. Consequently, bats foretell of good fortune.