Snuff Bottle

6/28/2012: "An important Chinese bamboo veneer snuff bottle, Qianlong period, 18th century, attributed to the Imperial Workshops, Beijing, of flattened circular shape, termed a moon flask, with rounded shoulders sloping to a square neck and with a slightly averted mouth, each face applied and finely carved with a central shou character, flanked by a pair of archaistic bats encircled by a border of ruyi heads. The bats and shou motif form a rebus for Duofu duoshou (’Abundance and blessings of longevity’), 2 3/4” high, with original cap, original spoon, and ball finial, all features that are found in Imperial bamboo veneer snuff bottles. Another regular feature of many early Imperial snuff bottles: making it easier to remove, and the obviously original spoon reaches to within a couple of millimeters of the bottom of the hollowed area inside the bottle allowing for easy access and removal of the snuff.

This bamboo veneer bottle would have been appropriate for a scholar/official in the court. Bamboo is representative of the attributes of gentlemen, being flexible yet strong, and evergreen symbolizing constancy. The shou character symbolizes longevity, the wufu (bats) also symbolize longevity. This form of this bottle is termed moon flask, but probably derives originally from the shape of water flasks, used by nomadic people to the north and west of China, which hung against the side of a horse or camel comfortably. Somewhat similar forms are found in bronzes from the Han dynasty, and the moon flask became a standard ceramic form from the beginning of the Ming dynasty. By the Qing dynasty, the moon flask shape became popular and was used frequently across a wide range of wares made for the court.

China’s bamboo culture: As recorded in local historical documents, bamboo carving was practiced as early as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Wang Shangzhi, a famous folk artisan, created Fanhuang bamboo carving (c. 1656-1665) during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). There are over 80 processes required to complete a bamboo carving. Quality bamboo must be chosen, and the insides of the stalk gutted. After a special processing regimen that includes steaming, sunning and grinding, the bamboo is then attached to a wooden or bamboo mold and made into different shapes. It is then artistically carved singularly or in combinations of auspicious symbols, human figures, landscapes, flowers and birds.

Bamboo veneer or zhuhuang, was a technique developed in Jiangxi province in the mid-Qianlong period, 18th century, and produced by the Imperial Palace Workshops, remaining popular in the Court into the 19th century.

Smoking tobacco was illegal during the Qing Dynasty, but the use of snuff was allowed because the Chinese considered snuff to be a remedy for common illnesses such as colds, headaches and stomach disorders. Snuff was carried in a small bottle like other medicines. The snuff bottle is comparable to the snuff box used by Europeans. Snuff is derived from ground or pulverized tobacco leaves. It is an example of smokeless tobacco." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, 5/25/2012

Comparanda: 1. Bonhams Hong Kong, Sale #19621, 11/28/2011. Lot #35: A bamboo and bamboo veneer snuff bottle, Imperial, possibly Jiangxi province, 1720-1800, 6.01 cm high. Stopper: bamboo, bamboo veneer, coral, and wire. 2. Sotheby’s New York: The Joe Grimberg Collection of Chinese Snuff bottles, sale #8702, 9/14/2010. Lot #96: A Rare Bamboo Veneer Hundred Shou Character Snuff Bottle, 2 1/8” high, 1750-1800. 3. Christie’s Hong Kong: Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Sale #2731, 12/1/2009. Lot #1988: A Rare and Unusual Bamboo Veneered Snuff Bottle, Imperial Palace workshops, Beijing, 1736-1796, 2” high. 4. Christie’s Paris: Art d’Asia, Sale #5521, 6/11/2008. Lot #68: Rare et Importante Tabatiere en Placage de Bambou, Zhuhuang. Chine, Ateliers imperiaux du Palais a Beijing, c. 1750-1800.