Snuff bottle, China, 1750-1909 (C.1732-1910)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1750-1909
Snuff bottle in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number C.1732-1910), made in China, dated 1750-1909. The museum's brief description reads: Scu, China, carving, agate.
Museum description: The bottle is a small flattened flask form curving inwards at the base and with rounded shoulders. It does not have a stopper. It is made of agate, grey with bands of white and creamy brown. The foot is faceted, oval and solid underneath. The decorative interest lies in the natural markings of the stone and in the pleasing shape of the bottle. The museum records it as Carved agate, measuring Height 4.5 cm.
These details come from the 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
- agate
- Dimensions
- Height 4.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Carved agate
- Place recorded
- China
Identification
- Museum object name
- Snuff bottle
- Museum object number
- C.1732-1910
- Museum system number
- O8656
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 date against a specialist reference.