I see these square like bottles from time to time...

[George]

I see these square like bottles from time to time...

Not experienced enough with the different porcelain type snuff bottles. These square like bottles have an appearance unique to themselves.

Not sure they are snuff bottles, and they do not resemble medicine bottles in any way.

Just thought would see if someone could ID these for  sure as snuff bottles/containers ?





The description along with the bottles say the wax stamps have something to do with appraisals ??  I thought these wax stamps were used for export purposes at one time..

[richy88]

Hi George

They are snuff bottles but the shape may have been inherited from the Chinese medicine (powder) bottles which are usually made of metal.

In the earlier days, medicine bottles have also been used as snuff bottles.

See a similar example in my collection here.
 

Richard

[George]

Thanks Richard...

For the record.. Learned a little about the wax seal.



China currently prohibits the export of antique porcelain items over 100 years old in an effort to preserve cultural objects and artifacts. This is especially true for high-class porcelain from private kilns and all from official kilns.

What can be exported must have a wax seal from one of the "Wenwuguan" (cultural relic stores). But here again, it doesn't mean everything with a wax seal is a genuine antique. In addition, wax seals on items purchased elsewhere could be fake seals.
 
The only thing we can be sure of when buying at a Wenwuguan is that these items are allowed to be exported legally. Mostly either because they are plenty, of comparatively low quality, or they are otherwise of little interest in regard to preserving Chinese heritage.

[George]

I just went and read back through the Medicine Bottle posting..

It mentions how a medicine bottle is usually either larger and more bulky, or it is smaller and more slender. Its most common shapes are the flask, with squared or rounded shoulders; the square, which can be short and stocky or tall and rectangular: and the cylinder, which is tubular or tapered.

The majority were decorated in blue and white, with the next most popular colours being the celadons and famille rose enamels ( like the bottles above and one below ) found on bottles made in northern China during the second half of the nineteenth century.

I am reminded that the line betwen identifying the difference between medicine and snuff bottles is very fine, but there is a difference. With that in mind, I am leaning towards these having been originally intended more for use of medicine powder..

Like these squared with rounded shoulder looking bottles. My best guess, and humble opinion is that the original intent was for medicine powder.. Then of course could easily have been used in later days as snuff bottles...