Silver Snuff Bottle with Grooming Tools

c. 1900
$1,480 USD SOLD
Dimensions
W: 2.25" D: 2.0" H: 11.0"
Materials
Silver
Collection #
CFC187
Estimated Shipping
$75

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 silver snuff bottle is part of a Qing-dynasty grooming kit, and may have carried fragrant herbs as a perfume or air freshener. Much like a Victorian chatelaine, a grooming set such as this was suspended from one's clothing at the shoulder, back, or waist. The bottle is decorated in low relief with koi, goldfish, and lotuses atop an openwork design of interlocking coins. The bottle hangs from a hook shaped like two fish, a motif for abundance and marital bliss. Five grooming tools dangle beneath the bottle from short chains, including a nail pick, ear pick, tweezers, and decorative sword. Elevated by a custom steel mount, the set hangs beautifully and can be appreciated from all angles as a true work of art.

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Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

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