Hartman Rare Art, Inc.

A family-owned business since 1927

For 83 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 9:30AM 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. And please feel free to browse more Hartman Rare Art on Ebay.

Ivory Fish-form

19th century snuff bottle carved from a solid piece of ivory. The bottle is carved in the form of two fish, pressed together at the belly. The surface is carved in detailed relief so as to express the textures of the fishes' scales and the movement of the waves splashing around the lower portions of the piece. This piece is in very good condition; due to the age of this item there is some slight age splitting. The snuff bottle measures 2.75 inches height.

SB05

Price: $1,000.00

Peking-style Glass Snuff Bottle with Kylins Decoration

This lovely Chinese glass snuff bottle is flattened circular form and features a slender, tapered neck. On the exterior, it is decorated with 2-layer Peking-style carved glass cut from a deep red color to a snowflake ground. The cut decoration is in the form of kylins climbing elegantly over the surface of the piece. The bottle measures 3.75 inches height.

SB08

Price: $1,500.00

Malachite in the form of a Fish

A snuff bottle which is 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

Lapis Lazuli in the form of a Fish

A Lapis Lazuli snuff bottle in the form of a fish in action pose catching a faux pearl in its mouth (which imaginatively serves as the stopper). The piece stands 2.75 inches high.

SB20

Price: $600.00

Ivory Figure

An ivory sculpture in the form of a robed deity, good condition. This well-designed piece stands 3.75 inches high.

SB21

Price: $3000.00