snuff bottle

Object NameSnuff Bottle with Stopper

Made FromNon-Lead Glass, Ivory, Cork

Date1750-1790

Techniqueblown, cased, cameo-carved

SizeOverall H: 7.7 cm, W: 3.3 cm

Accession Number82.6.19

Credit LineBequest of Marian Swayze Mayer

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

Exhibitions

Glass Snuff Bottles of China at Steuben Glass

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

青套绿玻璃菊花湖石鼻烟壶. 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 with Stopper. Lapis lazuli blue, opaque turquoise, and jade green non-lead glass, ivory, cork; blown, cased, cameo-carved. (a) Long, ovoid form, with short neck, tapering shoulders, slightly rounded sides; turquoise overlay on lapis lazuli blue, cameo-carved to yield a design of multi-petaled chrysanthemum flowers on leafy plants, with stylized rocks below; carved oval base ring, recessed within. (b) Domed cloudy jade green glass form with cylindrical sides; drilled underneath; attached to a cork shank and ivory spoon with long handle and oval bowl.
Provenance

Provenance Remark

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