Mandarin Duck Jadeite Snuff Bottle

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynasty society, the practice provided an opportunity to display one's refined aesthetic through collectible snuff bottles. This late 19th-century snuff bottle is made of a clouded jadeite, smoothed to a flattened form and carved in low relief of a mandarin duck beside lotus flowers. This particular color of jadeite was popular during Qing dynasty and was known as 'pine needles in snow' for its varying hues of green and white. The petite stone bottle is finished with a red carnelian stopper and fitted with an intact bone snuff spoon.