An Eminent Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles

Description

Art of Gifting: The Fuyun Xuan Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles at the the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) showcases the prominent collection established by the late local collector Christopher Sin. Featuring 490 Chinese snuff bottles, Sin dedicated himself to collecting these relics since 1989 and over the years, amassed a rich collection of great comprehensiveness that is recognised as one of the most important private collections of snuff bottles in the world. 

These bottles, once cherished gifts among Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) nobility and officials, highlight intricate craftsmanship found in materials such as glass, jade and ivory. Snuff bottles first appeared in China during the 17th century when Portuguese Jesuit missionaries introduced snuff, ground tobacco believed to cure ailments. This led to the emergence of small bottles for holding snuff in China and later became popular across the country – from practical vessels to fashionable icons of elaborate craftsmanship, which made them precious gifts for socialising, commendation and diplomatic exchanges. 

Moreover, the exhibition is divided into five zones: Refined Materials, Timeless Classics, Novel Trends, Playful Alternatives and Personal Touch, covering themes from material selection to craftsmanship techniques, guiding visitors into appreciating this unique Chinese art form. Highlights include a double gourd snuff bottle with Chinese roses and begonias painted in enamel and a snuff bottle with a “Liu Hai playing with a toad” design carved in the round.