Snuff bottles

This turquoise snuff bottle includes some matrix, the rock in which the blue mineral formed. 

In the making of snuff bottles and other small items, gourds and other fruits can be placed in wooden or metal molds while they were still growing. The inside of these molds are carved in reverse so that the positive designs will be impressed into the adult fruit. Objects created in this way were often lacquered or decorated after they were removed from the mold. Other fruits molded in this way include tangerines, oranges, and lemons. 

The skin of sharks and rays is rough and scaly. It is dried and used as an abrasive, like sandpaper. In some Asian cultures, it has been used to decorate the handles of weapons and tools, and in making small decorative objects like snuff bottles and opium cases. If tanned like leather, sharkskin can be pliable and tough, making it suitable for shoes, boots, and other objects. Shagreen is shark or ray skin that is bumpy with placoid scales. This material is often dyed and used to make coin purses, game pieces, and other small objects. 

The outside of the horn-like casque is often red, while the inside is a creamy yellow. This material was highly sought-after and, before the invention of firearms, very difficult to obtain. Asian artists produced snuff bottles, buttons, netsukes, and other small objects from this material. Sometimes the entire head of the bird would be retained, parts of it carved and some areas left in their natural state, sometimes even with feathers intact. Hornbill ivory is also known as golden jade, crane s crest, crane s bill, and ha-ting. 

The material was much loved by the Chinese who carved it into snuff bottles, belt buckles, jewellery and other small items, some of which were exported to Europe. The Japanese carved it into small items such as netsuke. 

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