"Snuff bottle; Peking, Qing Dynasty, 19th century.
Glass.
Presents seal.
Measurements: 9 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm.
Snuff bottle or snuff box made of coloured glass with an ornate design based on figurative relief motifs. The piece shows the figure of several lions and a lioness set in a landscape of stylised forms finished in white. The front of the bowl is embossed with a seal. This type of snuff box became widespread from the 17th century onwards to store the snuff introduced by the Portuguese during the previous century. Tobacco became widespread in China among the upper classes as a medicine for a wide range of ailments: asthma, throat ailments and the evil eye. As it became fashionable, small containers were created and ornately decorated, in some cases becoming true works of art.