Snuff Bottles

Snuff bottles were used by the Chinese to contain powdered tobacco during the Qing Dynasty. Tobacco was originally smoked in pipes before the establishment of the Qing Dynasty in the mid 17th century. more...

The use of snuff began and increased in popularity after the establishment of the Qing Dynasty. Although smoking tobacco was considered illegal at that time, the use of snuff was allowed because the Chinese considered snuff to be a good remedy for many common illnesses like colds, headaches and stomach disorders. Therefore, snuff were carried in a small medicine bottle like other chinese medicine at the time, hence the name snuff bottle. Snuff bottle are comparable to the snuff box used by Europeans.

Tobacco was originally introduced to the court at Beijing sometime during the mid to late 16th century. Then, the use of snuff and snuff bottles increase in popularity in the upper class. By the end of the 17th century, it was considered a social ritual by upper class to use snuff. This trend lasted through most of the 18th century. Soon after, this trend spread through Beijing into the rest of the country into every social classes. It was very common to offer a pinch of snuff as a way to greet friends and relatives. Because of this trend, the snuff bottles became an object for collection and a way to represent status. The highest status goes to whoever has the rarest and finest snuff bottle. The largest quantity of snuff bottles were made during the 18th century. The use of snuff bottles increased and decreased with the rise and fall of the Qing Dynasty. The trend of using snuff bottles died away soon after the establishment of the Republic of China. However, replica snuff bottles are still being made nowadays, and can be purchased in souvenir shops or flea markets. Original snuff bottles from the Qing period are a desirable target for serious collectors and museums.

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