Late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) butterfly-shaped snuff bottle. Metal covered with lacquer, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and gold. The butterfly is cherished for its beauty and is associated with joy and delight, in Chinese art.

Chinese snuff bottles and the powdered tobacco in them, were at the top of fashion during the Qing dynasty. Due to their exquisite craftsmanship, variety of styles, techniques and materials, these miniature masterpieces, became one of the most important symbols of applied arts.

Snuff bottle with flowers in carved cinnabar lacquer. China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Qianlong mark.

I’m just so taken by the beauty of these snuff bottles, I would give them a different purpose!