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snuff bottle

Object NameSnuff Bottle and Stopper

Made FromGlass, Gilding, Stone, Cork, Ivory

Date1780-1880

TechniqueBlown, cased, carved

SizeOverall H: 7.5 cm, W: 4 cm

Accession Number82.6.16

Credit LineBequest of Marian Swayze Mayer

Curatorial Area(s)

Exhibitions

Glass Snuff Bottles of China at Steuben Glass

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

The habit of taking snuff (inhaling powdered tobacco) spread to China from the West following the establishment of the Qing dynasty in 1644. While the smoking of tobacco was forbidden at that time, snuff was regarded as a remedy for a wide variety of diseases. Powdered tobacco and other Chinese medicines were dispensed in bottles rather than in boxes, as was customary in Europe. Snuff bottles were made of various materials, including hardstones, porcelain, ivory, and glass. The glass in many snuff bottles imitated semiprecious stones. Most of these bottles were oval with flattened sides, making them easy to carry. Small stoppers, often in contrasting colors, were attached to tiny spoons used for taking the snuff. The best bottles were carved, enameled, or painted on the inside with tiny landscapes, portraits, or inscriptions.

Place Made

China

Physical DescriptionSnuff Bottle and Stopper. Opaque tan, transparent dark green non-lead glass; blown, cased, carved. (a) Ovoid form, with lightly incised vertical ribbing to create raised, rounded panels, the tan glass cased with dark green, relief carved to create leaves, vines, tendrils, and butterflies on the surface; the base with carved six-petaled flower; small, circular opening at the top for a stopper and spoon. (b) Curved, bright green stone with faceted tip cemented to a metal disk with twisted wire decoration, mounted on a tapered cork, with stained red-brown ivory spoon, with long, narrow handle and pointed oval spatulate bowl.
Provenance

Provenance Remark

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