Chinese Cabinet in Altenstein Castle Bad Liebenstein

On the upper floor of the castle there is a Chinese Cabinet, which is based on the Chinese fashion of the 18th and 19th centuries that was cultivated at the Altenstein. The exhibits come from the Renate & Kurt Hofmann collection.

A collection of exquisite historical snuff bottles forms the focus of the Chinese Cabinet. Countless bottles show the extraordinary variety of shapes with which tobacco snuffing was given a special shine over the centuries. Most of the snuff bottles come from China. They were made from every conceivable material, but mainly from porcelain, glass and metal. They are often artistically glazed or painted. Bottles made of stone, ivory, tortoiseshell or wood can also be admired. The presentation is rounded off by small Chinese works of art ranging from ivory carvings and porcelain to elaborate enamel works of art.