苦瓜 kugua (bitter melon), snuff bottle with stopper, unknown maker from China

Artwork Overview

苦瓜 kugua (bitter melon), snuff bottle with stopper
苦瓜 kugua (bitter melon), snuff bottle with stopper
苦瓜 kugua (bitter melon), snuff bottle with stopper
late 1800s, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
苦瓜 kugua (bitter melon), snuff bottle with stopper , late 1800s, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Where object was made: China
Material/technique: jadeite
Dimensions:
Object Height (Height): 8 cm
Object Height (Height): 3 1/8 in
Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial
Accession number: 1929.0036
On display: Loo Gallery
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Archive Label 2003: This snuff bottle is shaped like a fruit with a large lobe, leaves, and two smaller fruits. The bottle’s stopper is carved to resemble a looped stem. Snuff bottles were invented in China during the early 17th century when snuff, ground tobacco often mixed with aromatic substances, was introduced from Europe. Snuff taking and snuff bottle collecting was common throughout the 19th century. Snuff bottles were made from glass, porcelain, enamelware, and semi-precious materials like jade (such as this bottle), amber, ivory, and chalcedony.