Chinese snuff bottle

During the Qing Dynasty (1636–1912), bottles were used to store snuff. After the introduction of tobacco in Europe by the Portuguese at the end of the 16th century, the consumption of snuff quickly became a social ritual. As a result, particularly elaborately designed snuff bottles were created, which were increasingly regarded as status symbols and collectors' items.

Snuff Bottle (Biyanhu) with Scholars in Landscape, lacquer carving with metal core, 1700–1800, unknown artist; image source: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, http://collections.lacma.org/node/228801, public domain.