Both Chinese snuff bottles, as well as the tobacco powder contained by the Chinese snuff bottles were at the very core of a fashion whose popularity had never before been experienced in China’s extensive history. Due to its exceptional versatility of style, technique and material, all in one small object, as well as the fine craftsmanship, these tiny masterpieces quickly became one of the most notable Although legally, the smoking of tobacco was not permitted, its use as snuff was considered perfectly acceptable, as it was thought to have valuable medicinal applications. Tobacco was thought to be a great way to treat colds, headaches, stomach disorders and many other symptoms and illnesses. Powdered tobacco, as well as the majority of other Chinese medications, was dispensed in bottles, as opposed to the boxes that were used in Europe. Though snuff was originally only a luxury experienced by the elite of the new Qing Dynasty house, its popularity, along with the popularity of the snuff bottle, became much more available in and around the Beijing court by the close of the seventeenth century. The heart of the recognition of snuff and snuff bottles remained in and around Beijing’s court until the end of the eighteenth century, developing the use of snuff into a common social ritual for the upper classes. The snuff therefore had to be contained in something that would contribute to this newfound fashion, and therefore, large amounts of art, taste and money were spent on the acquisition of attractive snuff bottles. Snuff bottles also started being used for the attainment of favours, positions, status as well as advancement in government. During the 1700's snuff increased in popularity among the Chinese, which created a great demand for Snuff Bottles. They became conversation pieces and collectable items almost immediately. Collecting snuff bottles became the newest nationwide habit, and it spread to all of the social classes with the actual snuff-taking, at the very end of the eighteenth century. The finer the snuff bottle, the more respected was its owner. Snuff bottles were made out of every material of which the Chinese knew. This included glass, porcelain, jade and other hard stones, ivory, turquoise, coral, lacquer, amber, wood, etc. |
