Snuff bottle, China, 1800-1900
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1800-1900
Snuff bottle, China, 1800-1900 is an object recorded by Victoria and Albert Museum, dated 1800-1900. The museum's brief description reads: Snuff bottle, carved ivory, China, Qing dynasty, 1800-1900.
Museum description: Ivory snuff bottle, double-gourd shape, carved with frog design in Japanese style. Matching stopper. The museum record gives material recorded as ivory; measurements Height 7 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
- ivory
- Dimensions
- Height 7 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Ivory, carved
- Place recorded
- China
Identification
- Museum object name
- Snuff bottle
- Museum object number
- FE.478:1, 2-2007
- Museum system number
- O155003
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.