Antique Tibetan Silver Metal Dragon and Phoenix Snuff Box. Small cylindrical snuff box with dragon and phoenix in high relief encircling body.

Size: 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 3 1/4 in.

Chinese snuff boxes, which flourished during the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), were exquisite miniature containers designed to hold powdered tobacco, introduced to China by European traders in the 17th century. Crafted from materials such as jade, porcelain, ivory, cloisonné, lacquer, and precious metals, these boxes often featured intricate carvings, enamel work, or painted scenes that reflected the artistry and symbolism of Chinese decorative traditions. While snuff-taking became a fashionable habit among the elite, the boxes themselves evolved into status symbols and expressions of personal taste, frequently given as gifts or used as diplomatic tokens. Today, Chinese snuff boxes—and their close cousins, snuff bottles—are highly collectible for their craftsmanship, cultural significance, and the miniature artistry that turns each one into a tiny, tactile work of art.

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