Peking Glass Snuff Bottle

The name, "chicken fat yellow" frequently brings smiles and was coined during imperial times to identify a very specific shade of Peking glass. This Qianlong period (1735-1796) chicken fat yellow snuff bottle is carved with a carp and a toad, both symbols of wealth. Snuff, a mixture of powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, was introduced to China by Western diplomats in the 17th century. The opportunity for ranking members of Chinese society to customize their snuff bottles made them favorite collectibles.