Late 19th / early 20th century Tibetan snuff bottle, made from hardened beeswax, decorated with Tibetan silver and carnelion.
Snuff bottles were used to store finely ground tobacco in, often mixed with various fragrant herbs. The snuffing of tobacco, instead of smoking, was during some centuries not only considered very fashionable, but also the only legitimate way to ingest it. During Qing dynasty the smoking of tobacco was prohibited, but the snuffing of it was allowed, because it was believed to have various medical advantages.
This snuff bottle is a relatively large one, so it probably wasn't one to take with you while travelling, but one that stood as an eyecatching piece in the living room.
Sizes; outside diameter approximately 11 centimeters, hight approximately 18 centimeters. Weight 557 grams.
Due to its age, of course some little damages are there, so look at the pictures closely to observe the condition. But still a very nice piece, in overall good condition. An absolute beautiful item to store for example your personal ritual herbal blends or tobacco in.
