The Origin of Snuff Bottles

The tradition of snuff derives from the first users of tobacco, the native Indians in the Americas. They were used extensively in western European countries from the 14th century onwards as they have the effect of alleviating pain and fatigue. Commercial snuff is made from selected top quality tobacco leaves, mixed with mint and other herbs, crushed into powder then sealed in the cellar for many years.

The use of snuff in China began in the Ming dynasty. While snuff imports were first limited to the southern Guangdong region, by the Kangxi period during the Qing dynasty, trading via sea was opened and western missionaries brought large amounts of snuff and glass snuff bottles with them. In addition, such items were used as tributes paid by many western countries such as Portugal, England and France. The emperor, Qianlong, often used snuff as a form of reward to his dukes and ministers. Snuff usage eventually spread down and became a trend in society from the emperor to the people.

Snuff bottles are customized for convenience of use while traveling. The bottle is typically the size of a pack of cigarettes. Over 20 copper snuff bottles were found to be the earliest ones, made during the emperor Shunzhi period. Emperor Kangxi who had a passion for western handicrafts invited a group of Western experts on snuff bottle production to the Forbidden City to make the bottles. As a result, the art of snuff bottle-making reached a peak. In fact, snuff bottle collecting became a fashionable hobby which increased its usage. Every one of the traditional Chinese art methods, such as painting, calligraphy, glazing, carving, gold-plating etc, were applied to the making of the bottles. During the period of emperor Qianlong, they were viewed as objects of status among members of high society.