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. By the end of the 18th century, its use had spread far beyond elite circles and became nationwide. This snuff bottle of slender ovoid shape has a transparent body overlaid in red on each side with a coiled chilong. The fine execution of the design indicates that the bottle was probably made at the imperial workshops.
