Narrative

     The use of snuff bottles had set a contemporary trend, from the expensive imported goods at the early stage and then followed by the later local productions, to have the size of snuff bottles exquisitely done that fit in palms became a fashion. There came with the snuff powder dish in various materials, the set of snuff bottles for travelling or domestic use, or the set of a box for display purposes, even the porcelain snuff bottles in sets for rewards granting. To image leaning on the corner desk or couch, using the snuff powder and admiring the bottles, it is the poetic narrative to employ snuff bottles in the Qing dynasty.

• • 

  • 

  

  Box with snuff bottles and dishes

  Qing dynasty

• • 

  

  Box with snuff bottles and dishes

  Qing dynasty

  • H: 6.1cm, W: 3.2cm, D: 2.4cm
  • Box 13.3x9.2x8.8cm

• • 

  

  Agate snuff bottle with banding carved to suggest a monk looking at a lion

  18th-19th century, Qing dynasty

  • H: 8.0cm

• • 

  

  White jade flat pot-shaped snuff bottle

  18th-19th century, Qing dynasty

  • H: 8.2cm

  Jade peach-shaped snuff box with a prosperity-andlongevity design

  Qianlong reign (1735-1796), Qing dynasty

  • L: 5.2x4.9cm

• • 

  

  Jade melont-shaped snuff bottles (set of ten)

  18th century, Qing dynasty

  • H: 6.9cm