Snuff Bottle, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
China
Crystal and cat’s eye stone; 2 1/4 × 2 in.
98.5…

Images(3)

Snuff Bottle

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-smoking or snuffing equipment-containers

Date1644-1911

Made AtChina, Asia

MediumCrystal and cat’s eye stone

Dimensions2 1/4 × 2 in. (5.7 × 5.1 cm)

Credit LineGift of Dr. Murray Via of Irvine

Object number98.56.7a,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.

This crystal snuff bottle and stopper has designs of a landscape with figures in blue, red, gold, and black, possibly late Qing to Republic of China. Stopper is brown cat's eye stone and has an attached spatula.

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