How are snuff bottles made?
After snuff passed into China, traditional medicinal bottles were first used for storage. Over time, it was discovered that the shape of the bottle with a small opening and large round body was perfect as it can extend the life of snuff without altering in quality. Its convenience and beauty added value for snuff users.
The materials often used to make snuff bottles are various metals, jade, ceramic, colored glass, other organic 
materials. A mixture of pellet or emery with water was used as the surface for the interior paintings. This created a paper-like effect so that more detailed paintings to be produced. Due to the popularity of snuff usage during the Qing dynasty, the royalties would scour for precious materials and hire skilled artisans to produce bottles for them. It is believed that the snuff bottles made in China also became fashionable for a period of time in Europe. The European aristocrats collected and gifted them as elegant artwork.
Snuff bottles are the embodiment of eastern invention and western origin. Today, even though the habit of snuffing is practically nonexistent, the exquisite art of snuff bottles has been passed down through the generations. International collectors agree that snuff bottles are the mini embodiments of traditional Chinese artwork. Their small size and intricate detailing make them ideal items for collection and enjoyment.
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