Tiny Treasures: Two Hundred Snuff Bottles from Los Angeles Collections

October 22, 2003 – January 18, 2004

To mark the 35th Annual Convention of the International Snuff Bottle Society, which is being held here in Los Angeles for the first time in almost 20 years, USC Pacific Asia Museum is delighted to present an exhibition of Chinese snuff bottles from important local collections.

Tiny Treasures will highlight 200 of the finest snuff bottles and associated paraphernalia from Los Angeles private collections. Dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, these tiny artistic marvels were crafted out of stone, glass, ivory, amber, metal, and other materials to hold powdered tobacco, or snuff, which was believed to cure colds, headaches, stomach disorders and other ailments. Since the 18th century, these tiny treasures have been collected, traded, and given as presents to curry favors in China, and have since then captivated collectors all over the world.

The exhibition, sponsored by the International Snuff Bottle Society, will be on view from Wednesday, October 22, 2003 to Sunday, January 18, 2004.