Chinese
Snuff Bottle, early 19th century
Jade, 6.7 x 4.6 x 2.8 cm (2 5/8 x 1 13/16 x 1 1/8 in.)
This oval shaped, miniature snuff bottle is made of jade. It is pale green and creamy ivory with carved foliage and fish designs. The short square neck has a thin silver collar which connects the body to the lid, which is made of the same jade.
Little Salon
Commentary
This bottle was created to hold snuff—a flavored powdered tobacco inhaled through the nose. Snuff—introduced to China by European missionaries and merchants—was widely used in the 1800s. Made from a variety of materials and sometimes elaborately decorated, Chinese snuff bottles have an airtight stopper to protect against humidity and a small scoop for removing the tobacco.
Crane, lotus, and continuity are homophones (words that sound the same) in Chinese language. Therefore, the carvings of the bird and lotus pods and leaves on this jade snuff bottle symbolize continued success for its owner. Isabella Stewart Gardner may have purchased it on her travels in China in 1883.