Snuff bottle, China, 1750-1909
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1750-1909
Snuff bottle, China, 1750-1909 is an object recorded by Victoria and Albert Museum, dated 1750-1909. The museum's brief description reads: Glass snuff bottle, opaque white, with overlay of blue glass carved in relief, with stopper of imitation pearl set in metal, China, ca.19th century.
Museum description: The bottle is an oval flattened flask form, with sloping shoulders and a dome-shaped stopper. It is made from glass, opaque white, with overlay of blue glass carved in relief. The stopper is an imitation pearl set in metal. The decoration depicts two confonted dragons forming a stylized long character, meaning 'dragon'. The splayed foot is formed by the overlay, with indentation underneath. The museum record gives material recorded as glass; measurements Height 6.3 cm; place associated: China.
These details come from the holding museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
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.
Historical context
Snuff is powdered tobacco, usually blended with aromatic herbs or spices. The habit of snuff-taking spread to China from the West during the 17th century and became established in the 18th century. People generally carried snuff in a small bottle. By the 20th century these bottles had become collectors' items, owing to the great variety of materials and decorative techniques used in their production.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- glass
- Dimensions
- Height 6.3 cm
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- China
Identification
- Museum object name
- Snuff bottle
- Museum object number
- C.1531&A-1910
- Museum system number
- O8233
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 materials, dimensions, maker and wider type against the museum record and a specialist reference.