Snuff Bottles
Transporting Snuff
Art of the Snuff Bottle
Size and Value of Snuff Bottles
Why Dr. Lori
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Transporting
Snuff
Before spreading to England and America in the early 19th Century, snuff bottles were used by both Chinese men and women for the easy transport of snuff. When snuff arrived in China during the 18th century, laws restricted its use to the upper echelon of society.
Thus, the expensive snuff bottles or boxes were the mark of the upper class. These intricately crafted bottles were made from brightly colored and precious materials which provided an opportunity to display inherently beautiful materials and protect the coveted snuff.
Art of
the Snuff Bottle
A major trend in the arts of the Ch’ing dynasty was miniaturization and the ability to demonstrate craft production in miniature was highly
regarded. Snuff bottles were popular as they allowed craftsman to show his abilities and skill. The best bottles decorated with enamel were not intended to be used at all, but rather were on display as works of art to be appreciated and viewed. The bottles that were used for daily use were those made of hard stones such as jade, agate, and crystal.
Size and
Value of Snuff Bottles
Today, the Orientalia market is very active and snuff bottles range in size, materials, and value. Carved, painted, or decorated snuff bottles show the exquisite taste and workmanship of Asian artisans. Most snuff bottles do not measure more than 2 1/2 inches high and are made of amber, jade, ivory or cinnabar and will typically have tiny spoons attached to the cork stopper tops for ease of use.
Actual retail market values for snuff bottles depend on the several factors mentioned here as well as their current condition, but they can range in value into the thousands of dollars for one tiny bottle.
Request
an online appraisal of your snuff bottle from Dr. Lori.
Dr. Lori
Director, Masterpiece Technologies Inc.
