Want you buy Mongolian snuff bottle? Do you know what it is?
History
The use of stone snuff bottles by Mongolians dates back to the Qing Dynasty period & from Manchu & Tibet. Snuff or nicotine use rose in the Central Asian region between 164 and 1911, giving rise to the tradition of making snuff bottles out of stones. Beginning in the 1700s, the use of stone snuff bottles became prevalent among the Mongols, and they continue to be used as a form of accessory to this day.
Every Mongolian man has a fancy, expensive or not expensive snuff bottle. Mongolians pass on their snuff bottle from generation to generation and regard them as family heirlooms.
Snuff bottle is the main accessory of men, representing Mongolian popular culture, and it has also been used by women. In contrast to Chinese snuff bottles, which are distinguished by their distinct designs and patterns, Mongolian snuff bottles are distinguished by the nature of their stone materials, especially the style and value of their bottle caps. Snuff bottles soon became an object of beauty and a way to represent status and wealth. Snuff bottles of state figures or noblemen, as well as their former owners, are considered more prestigious and costly.
How to make snuff bottle?
In Mongolia, snuff bottles were often made out of precious stone long-revered for their special powers. Such as chalcedony, mane, jasper, agate, turquoise, stone crystal topaz, or ebony, as well as porcelain and precious wood, and it expresses the owner’s status. The design and size of snuff bottles can vary greatly. The stopper usually had a very small spoon attached for extracting the snuff. Chalcedony snuff bottles are thus another popular variety of bottle found across Mongolia.
Many bottles are completely devoid of decoration; others are incredibly ornate. As in all Mongolian arts and crafts, motifs and symbols play an important part in decorative detail. Symbols are derived from a multitude of sources such as legends, history, religion, philosophy and superstition.
Exchanging snuff bottles
The snuff bottle in Mongolian culture has a unique ability to bring strangers together despite having outlived its original intent. The exchanging of snuff bottles is still the time-honoured equivalent of a handshake for many special occasions, particularly first meetings. After entering the house and taking a seat, the visitor welcomes the host by sharing snuff bottles in line with the ancient snuffing tradition. This custom also has a very specific set of rules: you must accept the bottle with your right hand, palm open, and don’t ever put your finger on the top of the cap. You’re not necessarily expected to take any snuff (though you certainly can if you want, especially if you’re a man), so you simply sniff the bottle’s cap (it would have already been opened a little before it was passed to you, but you should not close it before handing it back to the owner).
What is daalin?
The Mongolians carry snuffboxes in colourful silk bags with the name Daalin. But just as rich in culture and design are the pouches or bags made for the safe-keeping of snuff bottles. Made almost always of fine silk, and embroidered with vivid ornamental designs, many snuff bottle bags exemplify the still-thriving art of Mongolian needlework.
Want to buy Mongolian snuff bottle?
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