Snuff bottles are highly decorative objects, some with their ornate paintings or carvings. These decorations or embellishments distinguished the bottles in terms of quality and value. Legends and tales of adventure, historical highlights, religious scenes, philosophical representations, and superstitious beliefs comprise the symbolism of snuff bottle decoration. The design concepts are mostly geared towards the attracting of wealth, good health, good luck, longevity, and even immortality. Some of these popular design symbolisms include the Shou or Sau which is one of the Three Star Gods, the 18 Lohan or the personal disciples of Buddha, the horse, the hare, and the dragon. The three-legged toad and the fish designs are symbols of wealth. Bamboo is a common design, representing longevity. 

 

The most fascinating of snuff bottles is the “inside painted” bottle. These are glass bottles that contain pictures and calligraphy painted on the inside surface of the glass. Most of these pictures and scenes measure only an inch or two high. They are painted with a brush that is inserted and moved through the neck of the bottle. The brush can be manipulated only within a quarter of an inch. The painting is also done in reverse. The interior of the bottles were first painted with iron oxydal mixed with water. The chemical created a milky white surface that soaked paints well. Intricately-painted designs may be finished over a period of a few months. 

 

The earliest “inside painted” snuff bottles were produced between 1820 and 1830. Such famous artists flourished between 1895 to about the middle of the 1920s. These famed “inside painted” snuff bottle artists include Ma Shao-hsuan, Chou-Lo-yuan, Ting Erh-ch’ung, Yeh Chung-san, Kuan Yu-t’ien, Po Lang-Ch’en, Pi Chung-su, K’uei Te-t’ien, T’ang Tzu-ch’uan, Meng Tzu-show, and Ch’en Chung-san.

Intricately designed snuff bottles, created over a long period of time, are the stuff of serious collections. Today, there are various international fairs and exhibits where snuff bottle collectors display their proud and gleaming cache. Some of these events include The European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht, the Fine Art Asia in Hong Kong, and the ICSBS Convention in Palm Beach, Florida. There, too, are annual private exhibitions especially in the major cities of Europe. The International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society holds its annual convention in many parts of the world such as Hawaii, Paris, Beijing, and Palm Beach.