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Chinese craft art. Snuff and snuff bottles were introduced to China by European missionaries in the 16th century, and later the royal family made conspicuous use of snuff bottles so they came to indicate rank and status. Various materials have been used to make snuff bottles, including metal, porcelain, jade, stone, bone, leather, wood, lacquer, bamboo, ivory and glass. The most desired and collected are glass bottles that are painted on the inside.
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Asia
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