Collecting 101

1.

What is a snuff bottle?

Originally, Chinese snuff bottles were created simply to perform a specific function: the storage of ground tobacco. They began making their appearance in the early 18th century, during the Kangxi reign of the Qing dynasty, but it wasn’t long before they evolved into a form of decorative art.

Talented craftsmen began to apply their skills to make snuff bottles desirable for more than just everyday use in the imperial court. The beautiful miniatures became a lavish accessory beyond the snuff-taking itself, and snuff bottles were added to the imperial collections. Ultimately, the possession of high-quality snuff bottles became emblematic of status within Chinese society.

The interest in collecting Chinese snuff bottles has remained undiminished since the days of the Qing dynasty. Indeed, the last half century has seen an expanding circle of enthusiasts collecting Chinese snuff bottles, both within China and beyond.

2.

Materials

The early snuff bottles were typically made with glass, but craftsmen soon experimented with other materials to achieve different artistic effects and to satisfy diversified aesthetic tastes. Snuff bottles can be found in a plethora of materials, including jade, various types of hard stone, porcelain, Yixing ceramic, metal and lacquer. Some incorporate organic materials such as fruit pits, coral, wood, needles, bamboo, bone, and even tangerine skin.

3.

Techniques

Relief carving is just one of many techniques that were applied to snuff bottle making. Some of the most precious snuff bottles are enamelled on metal or glass and painted with Western scenes, pointing to the Jesuit influence on the Chinese court. As you explore the world of snuff bottles, you’ll encounter techniques as varied as cloisonné, engraving, moulding, inlay, overlay and veneer.

4.

Symbolism

Like many other Chinese art forms, the decoration on Chinese snuff bottles is often symbolic. Various images are used to create a visual or word pun to convey a wish or auspicious theme, such as longevity or abundance. On this masterful mottled grey jade 'melon and butterflies' snuff bottle, the combination of the melon and butterfly form the rebus guadie mianmian, which is a wish for numerous descendants.

The tranquil landscape is a recurring image on snuff bottles. The shan shui (mountain and water) theme is not only a reflection on natural beauty, but on the Daoist principle of philosophical detachment. Bottles may also be decorated with episodes from Chinese classical literature or mythological folklore.

5.

Collecting

When examining a fine snuff bottle, it’s easy to be enthralled by the exotic material or the artistic skill on display. A simple glass bottle can have a captivating colour, or the natural variations in the stone can be used to create a clever design. A tiny bottle can hold an incredible amount of ingenuity, from exceptional lapidary skill to intricate brushwork.

For an experienced connoisseur, however, there is much more to consider when judging the quality of a snuff bottle. Such collectors will examine the finer details, such as the proportions of the bottle, the polish on its carvings, and the quality of the finish on the mouth and foot rims. For a jade or a hardstone snuff bottle, those in the know will seek out the well-hollowed, most refined examples.

If inside-painted bottles pique your interest, it’s essential to become familiar with the important inside-painting artists, their styles and their active years. It’s known that some artists’ students or family members painted in their styles, repeated their popular subject matters, and may have even signed the work with the master’s name, all of which can create a measure of confusion, even for experienced professionals.

There’s a vast array of snuff bottles on the secondary market; The Manfred Arnold Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles and The Emily Byrne Curtis Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles, both held in September 2021 were dedicated to the collecting category.

Whatever type of snuff bottle appeals to you, there are a few golden rules to follow. Firstly, and critically, aim to acquire the very best quality possible within your price range. Secondly, take aesthetic pleasure from the bottle. This is of paramount importance. Look and feel, are critical. Place the bottle in the palm of your hand. A good bottle should feel comfortable and proportional when held gently. Lastly do not worry about the authenticity of the stopper (except in rare cases) as these are nearly always replacements.