The production of snuff bottles arose in the early Qing period, and developed into one of the most significant aspects of Chinese decorative arts as the habit of taking snuff grew. Snuff (powdered tobacco mixed with aromatics) was believed to have medicinal properties and used as a remedy for colds and headaches among other illnesses. This ovoid snuff bottle has a translucent bubble suffused body overlaid in bright red on one side with an egret perched on a lotus cluster and onthe reverse with a frog resting on a lotus leaf. Another lotus leaf is wrapped around the base. This bottle was probably made at the Imperial Workshops in Beijing.
