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Chinese Molded Porcelain Snuff Bottle, late Qing Dynasty (1850-1912)

Late Qing Dynasty molded porcelain snuff bottle with blue and green mottled glaze and relief plum blossom carving. - view 1
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Estimated value

$150 - $450

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Era

Late 19th to early 20th century

Origin

🇨🇳 China

Authenticity

Moderate(55%)
17

CHINESE MOLDED PORCELAIN SNUFF BOTTLE, LATE QING DYNASTY (1850-1912): IDENTIFICATION

A Chinese molded porcelain snuff bottle featuring high-relief 'Prunus' (Plum Blossom) or mountain landscape motifs. The vessel is finished with a variable, dappled blue and tea-dust green glaze, likely a transition or 'flambé' derivative intended to mimic the appearance of weathered stone or lapis lazuli. The stopper includes a green glass or soapstone cabochon set into a brownish-red collar, with an integral wood or bone spoon for the distribution of powdered tobacco.

Compare with other ceramic pieces in the archive: Alabaster Urn-Shaped Vase, Han Dynasty Style Glazed Ceramic Boar Figurine, Chinese Blue and White 'Three Friends of Winter' Stem Cup, Ming Style.

PRODUCTION & FIRING

The transition from smoking to snuffing occurred in China during the late 17th century, peaking in the 18th and 19th centuries during the Qing Dynasty. Molded porcelain examples became increasingly popular during the 19th century as the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen and private workshops sought to ...
The transition from smoking to snuffing occurred in China during the late 17th century, peaking in the 18th and 19th centuries during the Qing Dynasty. Molded porcelain examples became increasingly popular during the 19th century as the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen and private workshops sought to reproduce tactile, organic forms. The Prunus blossom design visible here historically symbolizes resilience and the coming of spring in the Chinese 'Three Friends of Winter' motif (Sotheby's 2021).

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

The use of 'tea-dust' glazes on small vessels was a direct attempt to replicate the archaic bronze patinas highly valued by the Qianlong-era literati and later collectors (Christie's 2018).

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 101 ceramics items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Glaze dripping patterns suggest a later, 20th-century mass-production technique rather than individual hand-finishing.
  • Stopper material (glass/plastic look) often points to a later replacement or modern export production.
  • Porcelain body color visible in chips is consistent with late 19th-century Jingdezhen clay, but lacks the refinement of mid-Qing examples.
How does authenticity detection work?

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Asian Art Specialist

East Asian Art Expert

The form and glaze are very typical for the late 19th-century commercial market. While authentic to the period, it represents standard export-quality work rather than a rare Imperial piece.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Molded high-relief Prunus/Plum blossom motifs characteristic of 19th-century Jingdezhen production.
  • 2Glaze coloration imitating Lapis Lazuli or 'Robin's Egg' variants found in late Qing and early Republic periods.
  • 3Presence of an integral bone or bamboo spoon typical of functional snuffing sets.
  • 4Exposed clay body at chips shows a dry, granular texture consistent with late-period firing.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The haphazard application of the glaze suggests a lower-tier commercial workshop rather than a high-status commission.
  • •Possible adhesive residue around the stopper/neck join.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Examine the footrim under magnification for evidence of kiln grit or a hand-carved reign mark.
  • →Verify if the stopper cabochon is jadeite or green glass using a 10x jeweler's loupe for bubbles.
  • →Check the spoon material (bone vs. plastic) to better date the assembly.

CONDITION & GRADE

Good (G)

Grading breakdown

Heavy surface wear and pitting on the relief elements prevent a higher grade. The stopper appears mismatched or a later utilitarian replacement.

Condition

Significant glaze loss and abrasions are visible on the high points of the relief carving. The spoon appears intact, though the collar and cabochon show signs of adhesive reinforcement or later assembly.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$150 - $450

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Entry-level collectors of Chinese snuff bottles and individuals interested in late-period Qing decorative arts.

What increases value

  • •Tactile appeal of the high-relief molding
  • •Completeness of the stopper and spoon assembly
  • •Vibrancy of the cobalt-toned glaze

What lowers value

  • •Visible chips to the high-relief elements significantly reduce value
  • •The 'muddled' appearance of the glaze may be seen as lower quality by traditionalist collectors

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Crisp, hand-finished molding that shows individual petal definition
  • •Implicit or explicit reign marks from the Kangxi or Qianlong periods

Grade & condition

Condition of relief edges, glaze clarity, and authenticity/material of the stopper.

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar ceramics objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

BR

bruinsma
The Connoisseur•59 items

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