For James Li, buying the finest examples of this art form became a lifetime pursuit
Once dismissed as minor by serious Chinese collectors, antique snuff bottles have become highly sought after in recent years, thanks to a greater understanding of this art form and spectacular price appreciation of the finest examples.
Last month, the Poly Museum in Beijing showcased some 450 items from the J and J Collection, the most comprehensive exhibition of top-quality snuff bottles on the mainland by a private collector.
Owned by James and Julie Li, the collection has been displayed in museums in London, New York and Taipei.
James Li Gongwei is the first ethnic Chinese collector of snuff bottles of international standing. Building on some 50 pieces that he inherited from his father, a retired diplomat in the Nationalist government, Mr Li expanded his collection in the 1970s to well over 1,000 items.
The decade was an unusual time of abundant supply because a large quantity of fine antique snuff bottles collected by aficionados of an earlier generation nearing retirement was put up for auction. 'There were specialised sales every month in the London auction houses,' Mr Li recalled.
