Snuff bottle; Beijing, China, Qing dynasty, 19th century.

Snuff bottle; Beijing, China, Qing dynasty, nineteenth century.
Glass.
Presents a later period lid.
Measurements: 6.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 cm.
This type of snuff box became widespread from the seventeenth century to store snuff type tobacco introduced by the Portuguese throughout the previous century. Tobacco became widespread in China among the upper classes as a medicine for a wide range of ailments: asthma, throat ailments and the evil eye. As it became a fashion, small containers were created and were the object of profuse ornamentation, becoming, in some cases, true works of art.