The glass craftsmanship in China reached its zenith during the Qing Dynasty. Emperor Kangxi (1662-1722) issued an order to establish glass factories, which played a pivotal role in the development of the glass industry. Father Kilian Stumpf, a German Jesuit missionary (1655-1720), was a key figure in the establishment of the glass factory in the Qing Palace. While glass may not be considered particularly valuable today, it held great significance during the Qing Dynasty. It was during the reign of Emperor Qianlong that glass craftsmanship entered its golden age. However, glass remained a luxury item primarily for the imperial court and the aristocracy. Snuff bottles were precious possessions of that era and were used to hold powdered tobacco. Therefore, many glass snuff bottles were crafted to imitate various gemstones to meet the demands of the noble class. This particular snuff bottle is a glass imitation of chicken-blood red mineral, or red jasper, nearly indistinguishable from the real stone. The bottle has a small spout and is an exceptionally beautiful piece of art. It is estimated to be from the 18th to 19th century. 2.3in (Left H), 2in (Left W); and 2.3in (Right H), 1.9in (Right W).

2.3 x 2 in