Snuff bottle, carved rock crystal, China, 1780-1820
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1780-1820
People generally carried snuff in a small bottle. The bottle is an oval flattened flask form with a flat-topped stopper. The bottle is made of rock crystal, with decoration carved in relief; the stopper of rock crystal with carved decoration. The carved relief depicts two chi dragons on each side. There are masks and mock ring handles on the shoulders with stylised scroll and dot motifs below. There is a carved chi dragon on the stopper.
The straight foot has an angular indentation underneath. The design on the stopper strongly suggests that it was specifically made for this bottle. The decorative motifs are archaistic, imitating those found on early bronzes. This and the striking similarity in shape and design to the jade bottle, C.1799-1910, suggest a relatively early date. Bequeathed by Mr. George Salting, accessioned in 1910.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Carved rock crystal
- Dimensions
- Height: 5.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- China
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London collection record for this single object (sentences kept verbatim apart from removed sale or rarity wording); how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Candidate id
- vam-O8749
- Museum object name
- Snuff bottle
- Holding institution
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- Museum object number
- C.1630-1910
- Museum system number
- O8749
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and dating against a specialist reference; this entry documents one recorded example.