Snuff bottles come in all materials—and values

Karen Waterman
Posted 4/9/16

Q. I inherited this from my parents. I have no other information. Can you tell me anything about it? A.This is a Chinese snuff bottle which was used to hold tobacco. It appears to be made of ivory or …

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Snuff bottles come in all materials—and values

Posted

Q. I inherited this from my parents. I have no other information. Can you tell me anything about it?

A.This is a Chinese snuff bottle which was used to hold tobacco. It appears to be made of ivory or more likely bone and from the early 20th century, but I would need to examine it. The carved top has a cork-lined stopper with a snuff spoon. The intricate carving depicts a bird called a “phoenix” and blossoms. The phoenix represents “rising from the ashes”. This special symbol represents achieving success against difficult odds. In addition, your snuff bottle has Chinese symbols on the bottom that translate to “great success”.

While 17th-century Europeans stored their powdered tobacco in boxes, the humidity in much of China (and the lack of pockets in Chinese garments) necessitated a handheld, airtight receptacle and thus the snuff bottle was born. Snuff bottles were first made in China in the 17th century and became widely used into the 18th.

There is an incredibly diverse range of materials out of which snuff bottles are made: organic materials like wood, bamboo, amber, ivory, bone and even nutshells. Others were made of hard stones like amethyst, lapis, aquamarine, and quartz; and different styles of glass. Highly desired by collectors are glass snuff bottles which are painted from the inside (the record for one was for $3.2 million) and elaborate examples made of jade and ivory.

Jade has always been an important stone to the Chinese and is considered the most valuable stone, with ties to royalty. It also was a symbol for good health. Ivory is also considered very valuable and is thought to have medicinal qualities (including a cure for cancer). The result has been the depletion of the African elephant population and legislation prohibiting selling many objects that contain ivory.

Snuff bottles are widely collected by people from all over the world. There is much to learn about all of the different types and what makes some more valuable than others. As with any antique collectible, there are many modern copies. This snuff bottle would mostly likely sell in the $30 to $50 range.

Karen Waterman is a fine art, antique furniture and decorative arts appraiser in the East Bay area and will answer as many questions regarding your “hidden treasures” as possible. By sending a letter or email with a question you give full permission for use in the column. Names, addresses or e-mail will not be published and photos will be returned if requested. Send e-mails (digital photos preferred) to watermanappraisal@gmail.com. Send snail mail to Waterman Appraisal and Consulting Services, PO Box 134, Barrington, RI 02806.

Karen Waterman, Waterman Appraisal

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