Title: Antique Chinese Silver Inlay Bottle Warrior & Dragon Snuff Bottle
Catalog Number: 5430
Category: Silver / Accessories
Artist:
Country & Origin: Central Asia > China
Historical Period: Unassigned
Approximate Date:
Signature: Unsigned
Condition: Excellent
Size:
Height: 2 1/4 inches (6cm)
Width:
Depth:
Weight:
Description & Provenance: A magenificiet large Chinese snuff bottle with battle scene, of a dark iron with silver inlay, presenting a brave warrior ridding a fast running dragon with a flag on the warrior hand, another side of the bottle shows a shoulder assistant with wings on his back, on foot chasing after his commander and the dragon. Original stopper with silver spoon inside and a snake ornament on the top. Fine condition with age wear. Provenance: Mrs. Fay Plohn's snuff bottle collection We are committed to enhancing our customer’s lives by discovering creating, and pointing out only the best art we can find in the world today. We Are Taste-Makers, Art Advisers & Consultants.
Origin, Encyclopedia & Researched Articles:
Encyclopedia Name: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snuff_bottle
Snuff bottles were used by the Chinese during the Qing Dynasty to contain powdered tobacco. Smoking tobacco was illegal during the Dynasty, but the use of snuff was allowed because the Chinese considered snuff to be a remedy for common illnesses such as colds, headaches and stomach disorders. Therefore, snuff was carried in a small bottle like other medicines. The snuff bottle is comparable to the snuff box used by Europeans. Tobacco was introduced to the court at Beijing some time during the mid- to late-16th century. It was originally smoked in pipes before the establishment of the Qing Dynasty. The use of snuff and snuff bottles spread through the upper class, and by the end of the 17th century it had become a part of social ritual to use snuff. This lasted through most of the 18th century. Eventually, the trend spread into the rest of the country and into every social class. It was common to offer a pinch of snuff as a way to greet friends and relatives. Snuff bottles soon became an object of beauty and a way to represent status. The highest status went to whoever had the rarest and finest snuff bottle. The peak of snuff bottle manufacture was during the 18th century. The use of snuff increased and decreased with the rise and fall of the Qing Dynasty and died away soon after the establishment of the Republic of China. Original snuff bottles from the Qing period are a desirable target for serious collectors and museums. A good bottle has an extra quality over and above its exquisite beauty and value: that is touch. Snuff bottles were made to be held and so, as a rule, they have a wonderful tactile quality.
Verbal History:
Both Chinese snuff bottles, as well as the tobacco powder contained by the Chinese snuff bottles were at the very core of a fashion whose popularity had never before been experienced in Chinas extensive history. Due to it's exceptional versatility of style, technique and material, all in one small object, as well as the fine craftsmanship, these tiny masterpieces quickly became one of the most notable representations of the use of artistic skill throughout the Qing Dynasty. There are many different beliefs as to who introduced the use of tobacco to the Chinese. I have read that the Russians, Manchu, Portuguese, and the Jesuit Priests brought tobacco to China. I would venture to say that it is likely that different people, around the same time, introduced it in different regions. That time would be the early to mid 1600's. Although legally, the smoking of tobacco was not permitted, its use as snuff was considered perfectly acceptable, as it was thought to have valuable medicinal applications. Tobacco was thought to be a great way to treat colds, headaches, stomach disorders and many other symptoms and illnesses. Powdered tobacco, as well as the majority of other Chinese medications, was dispensed in bottles, as opposed to the boxes that were used in Europe.
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