Artwork Page for Snuff Bottle with European Figures

Details / Information for Snuff Bottle with European Figures

Snuff Bottle with European Figures

鼻煙壺

1736–95

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Qianlong mark and reign

(1736-95)
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Medium
painted enamel on copper
Measurements
Overall: 7.4 cm (2 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Seventy-fifth anniversary gift of Mrs. Noah L. Butkin 1991.126
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The stopper is decorated with bats, which traditionally symbolize good luck, since both words (蝠 and 福) are both pronounced as fu in Chinese.

Description

Snuff bottles were introduced from Europe to China around the 1700s to hold portable snuff or medicine.
A snuff bottle with a flattened circular body features painted enamel on copper and an ornate gold-colored stopper. A central medallion depicts a woman with light skin tone in a yellow bodice and magenta skirt, looking down at a child in her lap. Green trees and a purple curtain appear behind them. A ring of white dots on blue encircles the scene, while colorful floral scrolls decorate the edges, neck, and oval base.

Snuff Bottle with European Figures

1736–95

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Qianlong mark and reign (1736-95)

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