Snuff bottle with stopper

Art Historical Context

This exquisite snuff bottle, crafted from lustrous yellow amber with a matching bright yellow stopper, exemplifies the refined artistry of China's Qing dynasty during the Qianlong period (6–95). Standing just 2 1/4 inches (5.7 cm) tall, these pocket-sized vessels were designed to hold powdered tobacco snuff, a luxury imported from Europe in the 17th century quickly became a fashionable habit among the Chinese elite. By the Qianlong era—a golden age of imperial patronage—snuff bottles evolved from utilitarian objects into coveted collectibles, often showcasing masterful carving and rare materia...