WORLD CULTURES : ASIA

Object Name: Snuff Box
Description: Tortoise shell snuff box with carved decoration in relief with figures, trees, plant life, boats, pagodas, and islands. The use of narrative landscapes on small luxury objects embodied an educated ideal, where portable objects like snuff boxes became vehicles for aesthetic appreciation and social distinction. Snuff is a finely ground or shredded tobacco inhaled through the nose or rubbed on the gums. It was introduced to China by Europeans and at that point was believed to have healing powers. It became fashionable and a status symbol in later years. Probably produced for export market in the 19th century. A snuff box alike this would be very prized among both the Chinese elites and European collectors, reflecting the cross-cultural appeal of Chinese decorative arts during the height of the Canton export trade. Qing dynasty.
Materials: tortoise shell
Place Collected
Catalogue Number: BELUM.C33.1911
Notes: National Museums NI

National Museums NI holds over a million objects in the collection, as well as this we manage the records and associated images for each object through a working database. The national collection has been almost 200 years in the making, and we recognise that thinking about collecting and collections has evolved over this time and continues to evolve. As a result, some of our records may contain language and views that we now consider offensive and unacceptable, for example, reflecting racist attitudes. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to reviewing and updating our records accordingly. Working with researchers, communities and academic partners we are learning more about the stories behind objects, and we are committed to sharing these with our audiences. We welcome feedback. Please email [email protected]