Vintage Reverse Painted Snuff Bottle Flowers Butterflies Chinese

Vintage Reverse Painted Snuff Bottle Flowers Butterflies Chinese

Pictured is a lovely reverse painted (painted on the inside) snuff bottle. The design is of very colorful flowers with butterflies each outlined in black. The bottle is just 3 1/8 inches tall and 1 5/8 inches at the widest part. The lid is held in place with a small cork and attached is a tiny spoon used to remove the snuff. The piece is in good condition with no chips or cracks. The detail of the painting on both sides is just wonderful. Imagine painting this little bottle - from the inside! This is a charming item for a collector or anyone who appreciates history.

Note: The use of snuff became established in China at the end of the 16th Century. Smoking tobacco was forbidden but snuff was valued for medicinal qualities, as a remedy for colds, headaches, etc. The powdered tobacco was dispensed in a bottle. The containers themselves became the subject of acquisition. Snuff bottles also became the currency for purchase of favors and for advancement in government. It was common courtesy to offer snuff to friends upon meeting them and great status accrued to the owner of the finest bottle.

Item ID: 413

$125 USD

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