Snuff Bottle

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Snuff Bottle, Chinese, porcelain with underglaze blue decoration. The object is a white vase with a narrow neck and a bulbous body tapering to a flat base. The vase features a design with dark blue or black swirling patterns and depictions of dragons or other creatures amidst clouds and waves. The body of the vase has a rounded shape resembling a bulb with the bottom half wider than the top half. The upper part of the vase tapers up to a cylindrical neck with a small opening at the top. The base of the vase is flat and circular. The vase is decorated with designs featuring dark outlines on a light background. The decorations include wavy lines, cloud shapes, and figures. The figures appear to be dragons. The dragons are shown in multiple areas around the vase. The dragon designs have details such as scales and flames. The background behind the vase is plain and light-colored. The vase appears to be sitting on a surface casting a shadow. The overall appearance is that of an antique or collectible item. The vase by artist is from China.