Chinese Snuff Bottle
Collection 

The use of Tobacco in China

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The history of antique snuff bottles, particularly those made of porcelain, is deeply intertwined with the cultural and social fabric of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) in China. These exquisite objects are more than just containers; they are a reflection of the era's artistic, social, and political nuances.

Snuff, a powdered form of tobacco, usually with some herbs and spices in it, was introduced to China by European traders in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The use of snuff-bottles actually started in the imperial court. For the first hundred years of their existence, pretty much throughout the 18th century, tobacco was exceedingly expensive in China, so taking snuff was a luxury-habit. Initially used for its supposed medicinal properties to treat common colds and headaches, snuff became a symbol of status and sophistication. It was definitely something for the upper crust of the imperial family and the influential minority of China. It wasn’t until the 19th century that you see a diffusion to the general population. The need for a portable, sealable container for this precious substance gave rise to the creation of snuff bottles.

The production of snuff bottles reached its zenith during the Qing Dynasty, under the patronage of the imperial court. The emperor and the courtiers favored these tiny, intricately designed bottles, which led to the flourishing of snuff bottle craftsmanship and the diversification of materials used in their creation, including porcelain, glass, jade, ivory, metal, and semi-precious stones.

Porcelain snuff bottles, in particular, were highly prized for their beauty and the skill required to make them. Porcelain, known in China as "white gold," was a symbol of purity and refinement. The imperial kilns at Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China, produced many of the exquisite porcelain snuff bottles for the court. These bottles were often painted with intricate designs, calligraphy, landscapes, or scenes from Chinese mythology and literature, showcasing the high level of artistry and craftsmanship of the period.

The decoration of these snuff bottles was not only an expression of aesthetic preferences but also conveyed symbolic meanings, wishes for good fortune, longevity, and happiness. The bottles could be personalized with the owner's name or a poem, making them highly valued collectibles and gifts.

The top, which was attached to a small spoon, usually made of ivory or metal, could often be of semi-precious stone, coral or other decoration. 

Porcelain snuff bottles were part of the broader cultural practice of snuff taking, which involved elaborate rituals and accessories, including specialized spoons for dispensing the snuff and trays for presenting the bottles. These practices facilitated social interaction among the elite, as sharing snuff was a common way to foster relationships and show respect.

 

he snuff bottles were given back and forth, presented like cigarette cases of the 1920s. Many of them have wishes for passages of civil exams. China had an extremely difficult system of examination. The exams were open to everybody, although only people who had enough money to be able to spend 12 years of their life studying could possibly afford to do this. There were hundreds of thousands of young men who took the exams, but only about a thousand of them ever reached the level of passage of the full examination. It was a very competitive thing. Many of these bottles have a theme which essentially says to the recipient, we wish that you pass the examination.

 

They were also used for bribes. Because it was a small item, you could give it to somebody and it wasn’t traceable like money is or other things. They were never considered high art. On the other hand, they were very much appreciated for their personal cachet. To some extent, it’s like a man wearing a Rolex watch. He would bring out his bottle when he was with some other gentlemen – this was mostly, not completely, something that men did – and offer the others some snuff, which was also a way of saying, look at my wonderful bottle. It was something he took pride in.

Despite the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the changes in Chinese society and government, the fascination with antique snuff bottles has endured. Today, they are celebrated as art objects and collected worldwide, appreciated for their historical significance, craftsmanship, and beauty. The antique porcelain snuff bottles from the Qing Dynasty continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts, serving as a window into the rich cultural heritage of China.
 

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