Chinese snuff bottle,carved rock crystal, decoration depicts lotus and aster plants, Qing Dynasty; 1740-1909.

The bottle is slightly flattened cubic form with short cylindrical neck. It has a gradated dome-shaped stopper.
It is made of rock crystal, transparent, with the interior surface frosted white, with carved decoration; the stopper of coral set in incised gilt metal.
The front and reverse surfaces of the bottle have a poem inscribed in cursive script; the two side surfaces have lotus and aster plants respectively; the incised decoration on the metal mount of the stopper suggests foliage.
The oblong foot has an angular indentation underneath.
The elegant and novel shape of the bottle contributes much to its decorative effect. The stopper incorporates half a coral bead.

Salting Bequest

Bequeathed by Mr. George Salting, accessioned in 1910. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.

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.

C.1626-1910