Picture This! Symbol & Meaning In Chinese Decorative Arts

Pewter was used and valued by the Chinese long before it appeared in Europe. Pewter is an alloy of tin and lead. It is soft and can be easily shaped, engraved and stamped. In China, pewter was used for keeping water hot in kettles and serving food, wine and tea. During the 19th century, Yixing clay was added as an interior liner for pewter teapots.

 

Snuff bottles were used by the Chinese to contain powdered tobacco. Smoking tobacco was originally illegal in China, but the use of snuff was allowed because the Chinese considered snuff to be a remedy for common illnesses such as colds, headaches and stomach disorders.

 

It was common to offer a pinch of snuff as a way to greet friends and relatives. Snuff bottles soon became an object of beauty and a way to represent status. The highest status went to whoever had the rarest and finest snuff bottle.

 

8. Teapot with lizard lid

ca. 20th century

Pewter

97.40.45

 

9. Lotus leaf dish with rooster

ca. 20th century

Porcelain

79.17.5d

 

Done