Qianlong-Marked White Glass Enamel Snuff Bottle with Ladies Figures

With a round mouth, constricted neck, and rectangular flattened body on a circular foot, this bottle is enamelled with banana-leaf motifs on the neck. The front and back of the body each depict a lady, while the left and right sides show pink-toned landscape scenes. The base bears a blue ‘Made in the Qianlong period’ mark.

Painted enamel technique was introduced to China by Western missionaries during the Kangxi reign and was favoured by the emperor and his successors. Over time, it developed to full maturity, reaching its peak in the mid-Qing dynasty. Painted enamels were produced on copper, porcelain, and glass. This example represents the glass type.