A Hidden Chinese Art: Snuff Bottles

July 26, 2008 – March 27, 2009

From the 1600s until the early 20th century when the rolled cigarette became more popular, it was a common social custom in China for friends to exchange tiny spoonfuls of snuff tobacco from each other’s bottles when meeting. Snuff bottles were an essential accoutrement to the upper class lifestyle; people would ostentatiously carry them everywhere, like women’s handbags or men’s pocket watches. Bottles were made from various materials such as carved stone, jade and ivory, metal, porcelain, cloisonné and glass, with the latter often featuring exquisitely detailed paintings on the interior. The wealthy would collect dozens of bottles to use on different occasions and complement various outfits. Though seldom used today, collectors still adore snuff bottles for their fine artistic value and delicate craftsmanship. This exhibit showcases forty-two 19th and early 20th century snuff bottles that Mrs. Peg Evans collected between 1937 and 1939 in China. In addition to this collection there will be some modern pieces on display. The museum is deeply grateful to Mrs. Evans’ eldest daughter, Joan S. Campbell, as well as her brothers and sisters for donating their collection to the Chinese Historical Museum.