Blue and White Snuff Bottle

20th Century

$128

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Dimensions

W: 1.5" D: 1.5" H: 3.25"

Materials

Porcelain
Glaze

Purchase Quantity

Collection #

CESB059

Estimated Shipping

$16

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynasty society, the practice provided an opportunity to display one's refined aesthetic through collectible snuff bottles.

This petite snuff bottle is glazed with cobalt pigments in the tradition of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. The bottle has a rectangular form with a constrained neck and a wide, square base. A quiet scene of two robed scholars in a courtyard setting wraps around the sides. The original cap and spoon have been lost.

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Blue & White Porcelain

Soon after its development in the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368 AD), blue-and-white underglaze porcelain became a favorite of the imperial court. Its broad appeal rapidly extended beyond China’s borders, becoming a lucrative export commodity highly sought after in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Using cobalt imported from Western Asia, ceramic artists ground the mineral into a vibrant blue pigment that was then painted directly on a porcelain base, coated with clear glaze, and fired. This underglaze technique brought with it a shift in focus from the overall shape of a vessel to the skill and artistry traceable in its painted decoration.

Transcending time and taste, blue-and-white porcelain continues to be appreciated around the world for the intricate brushwork and brilliant blue color.