Snuff Bottles

Snuff bottles were original used by the Chinese during the Qing Dynasty for storage of perfume and medical treatments. Snuff bottles became an object of beauty and a way to represent status. The highest status went to whomever had the rarest and finest snuff bottle.

Snuff bottles, as exquisite miniatures have fascinated Western and Asian collectors since  Qing Dynasty in the 18th century. Conceived as precious containers for ground tobacco imported into China, snuff bottles were initially made for the imperial royal  families, and eventually produced in much greater quantities for general citizens who enjoyed as well as their display as symbols of status.