In the 18th century, Chinese snuff bottles were so popular that they were taken back to Europe. Some were presented as diplomatic gifts to dignitaries during the Qing Dynasty as the embodiment of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

Antiques have sold for several hundred US dollars at auctions.

The art of snuff bottle making and appreciation for snuff bottles in China lapsed for many years as smoking cigarettes became popular and antiques were under appreciated.

Today, craftsmen again employ traditional arts to produce exquisite snuff bottles. Modern technology and computer enlargement make it much easier to paint miniatures on the interior of transparent snuff bottles.

Some say modern craftsmanship has even excelled that of the Qing Dynasty.

Collecting snuff bottles 1. Craftsmanship is important, whether carving, painting or calligraphy.

2. Small and light bottles are often valuable.

3. Check for imperfections and to see if the interior painting is incomplete.

4. Sniff for tobacco.

5. Many antique shops carry old snuff bottles. Be aware of fakes, but snuff bottle fraud is not rampant.

6. If you have your eye on a costly piece, you may wish to get an appraisal.

(Shanghai Daily October 27, 2008)