Snuff Box

3D ModelNoAI

Tortoise shell snuff box with carved decoration in relief with figures, trees, plant life, boats, pagodas, and islands. The use of narrative landscapes on small luxury objects embodied an educated ideal, where portable objects like snuff boxes became vehicles for aesthetic appreciation and social distinction. Snuff is a finely ground or shredded tobacco inhaled through the nose or rubbed on the gums. It was introduced to China by Europeans and at that point was believed to have healing powers. It became fashionable and a status symbol in later years. Probably produced for export market in the 19th century. A snuff box alike this would be very prized among both the Chinese elites and European collectors, reflecting the cross-cultural appeal of Chinese decorative arts during the height of the Canton export trade. Qing dynasty.

Collected - China

Catalogue number - BELUM.C33.1911

Model © National Museums NI