Hartman Rare Art, Inc.
A family-owned business since 1927
For over 77 years, the Hartman Family and our associates have consistently worked to provide quality antique merchandise to our customers at competitive prices. Should you have any questions about the pieces we feature on this website or if you would like to inquire further about a specific item, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our gallery is located in midtown Manhattan and easily accessible on the second floor. Please note the entrance to the building is on 53rd Street between Park and Madison Avenues. We are open to the public Monday to Friday from 10:00AM until 4:30PM.
Snuff was a mixture of powdered tobacco and other substances often sniffed or snorted in China recreationally. Its use originated during the late 15th or early 16th century, though most of the snuff bottles seen today date from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
Snuff was a social drug and at times customary for people to share upon greeting each other. People carried snuff bottles because they were the most convenient way of transporting the substance, however, due to the social nature of the drug, many people had beautiful and elaborate bottles made from precious materials as a not-so-discreet means of showing their status.
Due to the delicacy of these pieces, oftentimes there have been some restorations. It should be noted a few of the stoppers have had some repair and/or restoration. If you would like more information about an individual item, please contact us.
Most of the snuff bottles available at Hartman Rare Art date circa 19th century, though we do have a few earlier pieces.
White Jade Snuff Bottle
This fine White Jade snuff bottle was carved in China during the 19th century. The piece features an egg-formed body with a slender neck and a fitted stopper. The exterior body is decorated with relief decoration of overlapping leaves. The bottle features a carnelian agate stopper and ivory spoon. This snuff bottle measures approximately 2.5 inches height.
SB01
Price: $2,000.00
Snuff Bottle, Carved Gourd
This incredible antique Chinese snuff bottle was carved from a naturally dried and hollowed gourd. The piece is elegant in its form, polished to a fine sheen and accented with an apple-green Jadeite stopper. This piece was formerly from the collection of Sapuppo & D'Esser. This bottle measures 4 1/8 inches length.
SB02
Price: $1,000.00
Lapis Lazuli Snuff Bottle
This bottle has a symmetrical scroll pattern relief plus two imaginatively carved elephant trunk handles with a striking marbelized texture running throughout. The bottle stands 4 inches high.
SB14
Price: $1,200.00
Malachite Snuff Bottle
A detailed carving of a fish in action pose atop an ivory pedestal shaped in the form of a wave. The height is 3.75 inches.
SB15
Price: $1,000.00
Pudding Stone Snuff Bottle
A globular, multi-hued carved rock with a swirling miasma of metallic flecks. This dazzling showpiece measures 3.25 inches high.
SB17
Price: $1,500.00
Jadeite Snuff Bottle
A jadeite faux vase with red highlights framed by what appears to be a phoenix and rose arrangement. The piece is mounted on a carved wood stand. The bottle itself measures 3.75 inches high.
SB18
Price: $1100.00
Enamel Snuff Bottle
A kidney-shaped metal snuff bottle featuring painted enamel flowers in a stylish wash technique. The piece also includes a drawstring and stopper. The bottle measures 2 inches long.
SB19
Price: $1,950.00