birds and plum, snuff bottle with stopper

birds and plum, snuff bottle with stopper , circa 1850s, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)

Where object was made: China

Material/technique: jadeite; coral

Dimensions:
Object Height (Height): 6.3 cm
Object Height (Height): 2 1/2 in

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.2470

On display: Loo Gallery

Add to portfolio

If you wish to reproduce this image, please submit an image request

Images

Label texts

Chinese snuff bottles were used to contain powdered tobacco. Because of their exquisite craftsmanship, these miniature masterpieces became one of the most important examples of the decorative arts during the Qing dynasty. Confined originally to the elite, the popularity of snuff gradually spread to the rest of the country. Made in every material known to the Chinese-glass, porcelain, jade, ivory, coral, lacquer, amber, and wood-snuff bottles were produced in enormous quantities of varying quality to satisfy the increased demand.