Vintage Chinese Snuff Bottle with workers scene

Description

A vintage snuff bottle (no Lid) is a small container, traditionally used in China, for holding powdered tobacco (snuff). Snuff was introduced to China by European traders in the 17th century, and because smoking tobacco was banned under the Qing Dynasty, the powdered form was instead inhaled for medicinal and recreational purposes.

These bottles became much more than functional containers – they developed into highly collectible works of art, often reflecting the craftsmanship and culture of their time.

This one is likely from the mid 20th Century made for the tourist market but is still highly decorative likely made of resin rather than the bone of ivory that it represents

6.5 cm high