I was at the AGO recently and really loved these Chinese snuff bottles some of them dating back to the 1730s.
They’re all small; almost none are taller than 3 inches. And they’re made of all kinds of materials, from glass to jade, agate, precious stones such as tourmaline, even ruby matrix, amethyst, porcelain.
Chinese snuff bottles were only made in the Qing Dynasty, which started in 1644 and ended in 1911, and contrary to what some people think, they were used only for holding powdered tobacco, usually with some herbs and spices in it, which was inhaled through the nose. They were never used for opium; that’s a totally different thing.
Quite ornate, and one looks rather risque!
ReplyDeleteI need to go back and get photos of more of them, there was another wall.
DeleteThe detail on those tiny treasures is amazing. What an unusual and rare exhibit. You captured it beautifully.
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Thanks for these photos. I knew nothing of snuff bottles and their beautiful execution.
ReplyDeleteThey remind a bit of the Japanese netsuki pieces.
ReplyDeleteThe wall display is very striking.