Chinese snuff bottles, an important cultural heritage.

Introduction & short  history of Chinese snuff bottles.

Chinese started using   powdered tobacco in snuff bottles  during the Qing dynasty though the use of tobacco was banned at that time. It was used as a cure for cold stomach problems or headache like usual medicines.  Snuff bottles like the image  given  below is an example of that.

Decorated with nicely  carved work of horse riders in different designs on front and back  sides of the object and stamped showing the era of manufacture.

The elite class used to present snuff at special occasions to the distinguished class of people and was considered as ritual of honor.However its use spread to the rest of the country later on.The snuff bottles have been made in  different designs and models made of different materials like jade, glass,wood,metal, ivory and cinnabar etc, 

Some made for the  court had unmatchable art of work  and were  made from special material for presentation at special  occasion.The owner of very special pieces were very proud of such belongings.The production of snuff bottles was at peak during 18 th century because of the high demand by public.In 1912 after the fall  of Qing dynasty the snuffing custom disappeared with the establishment of Republic.

The snuff bottles are highly looked after by the  collectors today  because of their unique features, rarity and valuable art.