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Image Not Available for snuff bottle
snuff bottle
Image Not Available for snuff bottle

snuff bottle

Object NameSnuff Bottle and Stopper Spoon
Made FromNon-Lead Glass, Ivory, Cork
Date1750-1850
TechniqueBlown, pad overlays, cameo carved
SizeOverall H: 8.9 cm, W: 5 cm
Accession Number82.6.40
Credit LineBequest of Marian Swayze Mayer
Curatorial Area(s)
Exhibitions
Glass Snuff Bottles of China at Steuben Glass
Interpretive Notes
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 Spoon. Translucent light blue “snowflake” glass, dark blue, yellow, red, green non-lead glass; blown, pad overlays, cameo carved. (a) Flattened, ovoid form; with short, slightly flared neck, the rim ground flat, with an opening on the top for a stopper and spoon; the body of white-speckled light blue glass, with pad overlays cameo-carved in a series of five dragons, each of a single color, two of them with Ganoderma in the mouth; stylized rocks and foliage below; carved oval green foot rim. (b) Domed circular button of pale blue glass on top, mirror backed, and minutely faceted at the edge; mounted on a black disk; tapered cork shank; long ivory spoon, with slender handle and thick oval spatulate bowl.
Provenance
Provenance information not currently available online. Please check back in the coming weeks.