Snuff bottle; China, 20th century. Painted glass. Size:... Lot 15

Snuff bottle; China, 20th century. Painted glass. Size: 7 x 3,5 cm. Snuff bottle made of painted glass with a figurative scene and calligraphic pictograms. This type of snuff bottle became widespread from the 17th century onwards to store the snuff type tobacco 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.