Accession Number
1980/2.129

Title
Snuff bottle with relief images of luohan (Buddhist sages/arhats)

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
circa 1800-1880

Medium & Support
porcelain, molded, with overglaze enamel painting

Dimensions
3 7/16 in. x 2 3/16 in. x 1 9/16 in. ( 8.8 cm x 5.5 cm x 4 cm )

Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Robert W. Coggan

Subject matter
Snuff bottles have fascinated Western and Asian collectors since they were first produced in China in the early part of the 18th century. Conceived as precious containers for ground tobacco imported into China, snuff bottles were initially made for the emperor and the court, and eventually produced in much greater quantities for a public who enjoyed their functionality as well as their display as symbols of status.
These exquisite miniatures, which measure between one-and-a-half and three inches high, not only illustrate the technical virtuosity of Qing dynasty craftsmen, but also provide a window on life and culture in late imperial China.
For example, early 18th-century imperial glass and painted enamel bottles show the influence of the Jesuits at court, and the imperial fascination with Western technical advances. Carved examples in different mediums such as jade and glass illustrate the relationships between craftsmen working at the imperial workshops, and the favoured motifs across materials. Later 19th-century versions reveal how earlier imperial tastes became popular with the general public, while confirming the continuing status of snuff use in Qing society.
https://www.christies.com/features/Chinese-Snuff-Bottles-Collecting-Guide-7650-1.aspx

Physical Description
A snuff bottle with high relief images of luohan (buddhist sages/arhats) dressed in different colored robes (purple, blue, yellow, pink, and red). There are different colored swirls surrounding them (purple, blue, yellow, pink, and red). There is are red stopper and a gold collar.

Primary Object Classification
Decorative Arts

Primary Object Type
snuff bottle

Additional Object Classification(s)
Ceramic

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
Buddhism
arhats
coral (material)
people (agents)
relief (sculpture techniques)
sages
snuff bottles
stoppers (container components)