The promise of spring ushers in a new exhibit to the Side Gallery of The Maridon Museum. Seventeen objects of porcelain, quartz, ivory, cloisonne, and soapstone including birds, children playing, hatching “peeps,” a vase of flowers, dancing and sitting frogs, a swan with her young, and a flower-adorned clock to announce that spring is here! Please stop in to see these beautiful pieces, we are open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday.

Mary Hulton Phillips, Founder of The Maridon Museum, was an avid collector of many forms of art. Her interest in, and collection of Asian art, were the driving forces in establishing this museum.

We are pleased to present this new exhibit of 33 ivory objects. Many of Mrs. Phillips’ pieces have been tucked away in storage and never seen.

Gazing at this collection you will experience the elegance of magnificently carved floral baskets and birds, the excitement of Samurai battling on a bridge, offset by the engaging smile of a Happy Buddha with 11 children, depictions of everyday life, elephants on the march, scholars and goddesses and the whimsey of a snail who takes center stage.

Please stop by to enjoy these exquisite objects!

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Maridon Museum 33 ivory objects

Maridon Museum 33 ivory objects

Maridon Museum 33 ivory objects

Maridon Museum 33 ivory objects

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The Maridon Museum Snuff Bottle Exhibit was donated in Loving Memory of James T. “Jim” Sweeney and a dedication plaque can be seen next to the exhibit. If you’ve never seen our snuff bottle exhibit, let us illustrate the purpose and beauty of these tiny works of art for you.

Snuff bottles originated from China during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) where they were used to hold powdered tobacco. Initially, these bottles were made for the emperor and the court, but eventually expanded to the public. Snuff was understood to have healing powers for common illnesses, so while smoking tobacco was illegal, using snuff was permitted.

It is clear the beauty of snuff bottles supersedes their usefulness! The museum’s collection includes bottles made from hornbill, jade, ivory, cinnabar, amber, glass, enamel, turquoise, porcelain, mother-of-pearl, opal, jasper, hardstone, cloisonne, lapis, quartz, and agate. The sizes are usually around 1 ½” to 3” with a couple as tall as 6”. The variety of shapes and images are extensive and focus on nature, especially mountains and water. These images appealed to all who lived in the cities. Owners of these bottles could be soothed by not only the contents but also by viewing the natural scene on them. Some designs focus on the natural shape of the medium while others reflect the important Chinese themes associated with nature. For example, a gourd design reflects on longevity, while goats coupled with the whirling sun symbolizes the beginning of a great future.

People collect snuff bottles even today for their history and their art. You can find such objects at auction houses such as Christies. Click here for an article from Christie’s talking about the five things to know about collecting snuff bottles.

Please enjoy the photo gallery of some of the museum’s snuff bottle collection so you can appreciate the beauty of these tiny works of art. Better yet, come see the full exhibit for yourself. If you would like, you can call ahead to schedule a docent to learn even more about our snuff bottles as well as the rest of our collection.

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