The snuff bottle is a marriage of craftsmanship and artistry that evolved in ancient China and Mongolia. Even with a practical purpose in mind, these functional items quite often feature detailed and elegant designs that artfully reflect their cultural origin.

Photography by R. Caligaris

The origin of snuff’s arrival in China is a topic of debate. According to some historians and historical records, members of China’s imperial families and social elite were introduced to snuff by European missionaries and merchants. This reportedly occurred during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Other reports say that snuff made its way to China by way of Japan.

The popularity of snuff — tobacco leaves finely ground and infused with herbs and spices — grew rapidly in China during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). As more people discovered the stimulating and relaxing effects of snuff, as well as its ability to “cure” aches and pains, colds, and digestive issues, efforts to create snuff containers began. Chinese and Mongolian craftsmen began developing the diminutive bottles, with a cork affixed to the stopper in order to ensure the snuff remained fresh.

By the middle of the Qing Dynasty, the use of snuff and snuff bottles had spread throughout China and into nearly every aspect of society. The bottles were appreciated not only as a means for carrying and accessing snuff anywhere, but also for their artistry and decorative appeal, according to an article by Zhixin Jason Sun, curator, Department of Asian Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

As the progeny of a consummate combination of innovative Western invention and ingenious Chinese craftsmanship, snuff bottles were, and still are, representative antiques that bear witness to the mixture of Asian and Western cultures in the Qing royal court. Since then, they have developed into a unique branch of Chinese art. Snuff bottles were treasured and appreciated at that time and even became symbols of fashion and social status.

Look closely and you’ll notice bottles with finely painted landscapes and animals. This type of bottle is notable for the technique used to paint these beautiful scenes. Each of these bottles is meticulously painted from the inside, using a thin brush inserted through the bottleneck. Other notable bottles include several jade and a number of porcelain bottles that resemble human figures and deities from Chinese myth.

Glass remained probably the most commonly used material. By mixing metal oxides, the subsequent glass could be turned into exquisite glass sculptures. The Chinese cut and polished it like semi-precious stones, to imitate other materials, especially jade, amber or agate. The popularity of snuff and the snuff bottle rose and fell with the fate of the Qing dynasty. After the revolution and the establishment of the Republic in 1912, the fashion of snuffing died away. Today, however, there is a rapidly growing number of collectors throughout the world who are fascinated by these small, exquisite objects and attracted by their aesthetic and tactile qualities.

Today, the Orientalia market (objects of Asian origin) is very active and snuff bottles range widely in size, quality, materials, and value. Carved, painted, or decorated snuff bottles show the exquisite taste and workmanship of Asian artisans. Most snuff bottles do not measure more than 2 1/2 inches high and are made of amber, jade, ivory or cinnabar. They typically have tiny spoons attached to the cork stopper top for ease of scooping the snuff.

Actual retail market values for snuff bottles depend on the several factors as well as their current condition, but they can range in value well into the thousands of dollars for one tiny bottle.

CHINESE SNUFF BOTTLES