Williams Gallery West Collectibles The Skipper Kent Collection antique Chinese Snuff Bottles

The Skipper Kent Collection Chinese Snuff Bottles Click on the image of the item for a closer view
	SOLDWooden snuff bottle with carved panels #1
	SOLDGreen jade snuff bottle with matching lid
	SOLD Wooden snuff bottle with carved panels #2
	SOLD Agate snuff bottle with marbled lid
	SOLD Crystal snuff bottle with jade lid and bird on limb design
	SOLD Porcelain snuff bottle with bird and blossom design
	SOLD Rock crystal snuff bottle with jade cap
	SOLD Agate snuff bottle with blue glass lid
	SOLD Brass snuff bottle with fancy goldfish design
	SOLD Brown and white agate snuff bottle with jade lid
	SOLD Smokey quartz snuff bottle with dragon and phoenix design
	SOLD Painted enamel snuff bottle with crane design
	SOLD Lapis snuff bottle with carved dragon and clouds
	SOLD Variegated glass snuff bottle
	SOLD Amethyst crystal snuff bottle with bird design
	SOLD Peking Glass snuff bottle with koi design
	SOLD Pale green jade snuff bottle with lion head handles
	SOLD Pale green jade snuff bottle with floral design
	SOLD White jade snuff bottle with rock crystal lid
HISTORICAL NOTE Tobacco was introduced into China in the 16th Century, and was smoked in pipes until smoking was outlawed at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty in 1644. Although smoking was forbidden, the use of snuff ( powdered tobacco ) was acceptable, and was considered a remedy for colds, headaches, stomachache, and other illnesses. Snuff was dispensed from a bottle using a small tapered spoon which was placed below the nose and then breathed in. The use of snuff began as a social ritual of the upper classes, and quickly spread to the middle and lower classes in the late 18th and 19th centuries. It was common courtesy to offer friends a pinch of snuff, and unusual or fine bottles were a sign of social status. Snuff bottles also became a currency for the purchase of political and social advancement. Snuff bottles are made from many materials including glass, porcelain, jade, ivory, coral, lacquer, amber, wood, and more. The widespread use of snuff led to an extraordinary variety of styles, techniques, and materials for snuff bottles, many of which are miniature masterpieces carved with complex scenes and beautiful designs. After the Chinese revolution in 1912 the fashion of snuffing died away. Today snuff bottles are widely collected by enthusiasts enamored with these exquisite objects.
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