Second Spring, snuff bottle with stopper, Yan Yutian

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.

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.

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.

Exhibition Label: Asian Gallery, Summer 2003, Youmi Efurd Decorative Art: Flora & Fauna Chinese snuff bottles were used to contain powered tobacco. Because of the extraordinary variety of styles, techniques, and materials found in these small objects, and the exquisite craftsmanship, which was lavished upon them, these miniature masterpieces became one of the most important examples of the decorative arts during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Confined to the elite of the new dynastic house, the popularity of snuff and the snuff bottle was firmly established in and around the court at Beijing by the end of the seventeenth century. As it spread slowly and gradually to the rest of the country, snuff-taking and the collecting of snuff bottles became a nationwide habit among all social classes by the end of the 18th century. Made in every material known to the Chinese-glass, porcelain, jade and other hard stones, ivory, coral, lacquer, amber, wood, etc.-the snuff bottle was produced in enormous quantities of varying quality to supply the increased demand.