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Snuff bottle, China, 1750-1850

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

1750-1850

Snuff bottle, China, 1750-1850 is an object recorded by Victoria and Albert Museum, dated 1750-1850. The museum's brief description reads: Snuff bottle in hill shape, glass imitating aventurine, China, Qing dynasty, 1750-1850.

Museum description: Snuff bottle, mountain shape, glass imitating aventurine. Matching stopper The museum record gives material recorded as glass; measurements Height 6.5 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 6.5 cm

Technical characteristics

Technique
Glass, cast
Place recorded
China

Identification

Museum object name
Snuff bottle
Museum object number
FE.459:1, 2-2007
Museum system number
O154980

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 holding institution and a specialist reference.
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