Exhibition in Hong Kong｜Artisan Handcraft, Art in the Palm

Strolling along Victoria Harbour, I visited the Hong Kong Museum of Art and discovered something called a snuff bottle. A tiny container, a vast world 🥳 Exquisitely crafted to the point of awe, ancient aesthetics are truly amazing! 👍

A snuff bottle is a small container used to hold "snuff" (a type of powdered tobacco). It originated in Europe and later spread to China, becoming popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Its core function was to conveniently carry snuff, allowing users to pour out a small amount of powder to inhale through the nose, which could refresh and awaken the mind.

However, the greatest feature of snuff bottles lies in their artistic value. Especially during the Qing dynasty, they gradually transformed from practical items into exquisite works of art. Materials included jade, ceramics, agate, glass, and more, decorated with carving, enamel painting, and even "inside painting" (reverse painting on the inner wall of the bottle), a complex craft praised as "a miniature art piece combining multiple techniques."

Today, snuff is rarely seen, but snuff bottles, with their delicate uniqueness, have become favorites among collectors and are one of the representatives of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

📍Location: 3rd Floor, Hong Kong Museum of Art
⏰Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday, Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Closed on Thursdays
🎫Admission: Free, no reservation required

Post by kiiy | Jun 30, 2025