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 such as 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.

“From a tribute of the Qing Dynasty imperial court to a timeless treasure, this tortoise shell round box holds the code of cultural integration between China and the West from a century ago. Its elaborate and exquisite full-relief carving technique is not only a concrete embodiment of the pinnacle craftsmanship of Qing Dynasty artisans, but also a precious witness to the collision and mutual learning of Eastern and Western aesthetics.”

Wei Deng, Project Participant

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