Snuff Bottles

During the mid 17th century the Qing Dynasty forbade the smoking of tobacco, but the use of powdered tobacco (snuff) was acceptable because it was thought to hold medicinal qualities. Considered an effective remedy for many ailments, snuff was dispensed in a bottle as were most other medicines.

In the beginning, the popularity of snuff and the acquisition of the beautifully ornate bottles were left to the elite but over time all classes of society enjoyed the use of snuff and the collection of bottles that one could afford. The quality material and artistic craftsmanship of snuff bottles was a show of social standing.

There was a high demand for snuff bottles well into the 19th century but the fashion fell with the Dynasty after the revolution and the establishment of the Republic in 1912. There are a growing number of collectors of these mini works of art.