A Group of Chinese Snuff Bottles

Description / Expertise

The Chinese Court became addicted to snuff-taking during the 18th century. The snuff bottles with red glass overlayand the one with blue glass overlay are typical of Imperial production with their classic subject-matter of dragons, bats and clouds.
The bottle with black glass overlay, on the left, dates from the early 19th century while the carved porcelain bottle, by one of the most celebrated artists in this medium, Chen Guozhi, dates from 1820–50. These would have been made for wealthy patrons rather than the court.