The interior painting of snuff bottles, which originated in Beijing, is a traditional handicraft with a history of about 200 years. Exquisite pictures and texts are painted on the inside surface of a snuff bottle by manipulating the tiny brush through its neck. 

Hebei artist preserves interior painting of snuff bottles

Hebei artist preserves interior painting of snuff bottles

Hebei artist preserves interior painting of snuff bottles

In recent years, artists dedicating themselves to this craft keep making innovations while inheriting its fine traditions. Subjects of the paintings are expanded to a variety of fields, including people, animals and landscapes. Techniques from both the East and the West, including traditional Chinese painting, oil painting and calligraphy, are applied to the craft.

Hebei artist preserves interior painting of snuff bottles

Hebei artist preserves interior painting of snuff bottles

Hebei artist preserves interior painting of snuff bottles

Li Zhetu from Shenzhou city, North China's Hebei province, is an acclaimed artist for the inner-painting of snuff bottles. Born in 1970, he has worked on the craft for 35 years. His works impresses collectors for being refreshing and natural with lofty artistic ambiance. It is more than a skill to earn a living; it is a part of his life and the source of joy. 'As a traditional handicraft, it is facing the risk of being lost. More efforts are needed to preserve and develop it,' says Li. 

Hebei artist preserves interior painting of snuff bottles

Hebei artist preserves interior painting of snuff bottles

Hebei artist preserves interior painting of snuff bottles

Hebei artist preserves interior painting of snuff bottles