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Snuff Bottle with Carved Red Flowers, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
China
Peking glass; 2 1/4 × 1 …
Snuff Bottle
Snuff Bottle with Carved Red Flowers, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
China
Peking glass; 2 1/4 × 1 …
Snuff Bottle with Carved Red Flowers, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) China Peking glass; 2 1/4 × 1 3/4 × 1 in. 98.56.9a,b Gift of Dr. Murray Via of Irvine

Snuff Bottle

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-smoking or snuffing equipment-containers
Date1644-1911
Made AtChina, Asia
MediumPeking glass
Dimensions2 1/4 × 1 3/4 × 1 in. (5.7 × 4.4 × 2.5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Murray Via of Irvine
Object number98.56.9a,b
DescriptionSnuff bottles were introduced to China by Jesuit Missionaries during the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The solution inside is made by grinding dried tobacco leaves into a fine powder and mixing it with spices, herbs and aromatics. When inhaled through the nose it gives the user a nicotine rush. Though modern science suggests that long term use of snuff can lead to chronic health issues, during the Qing dynasty it was used medically to cure headaches, stomach ailments, coughing and other maladies.

The Kangxi Emperor (r. 1661–1722) is credited with the development of handheld snuff bottles around the end of the 17th century. These small, airtight containers solved the issue of snuff being ruined by China’s high humidity. The bottles took many forms and could be made from glass, various minerals, metals, porcelain, and internally painted glass.

A white glass Chinese snuff bottle with floral design in red, early modern period. The stopper is made of a pink stone and the spatula has broken off.
On View
On view
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