Of rounded, rectangular form raised on a recessed oval foot, this exquisite white jade snuff bottle is carved with the ‘jiu ding’ (nine ritual vessels) motif. Organized as if found stacked in a burial hoard, some of the ding are tripods, some square 'fang ding', supported by stands, some are lidded and some with handles, each with slightly different incised decoration. Moreover, ‘jiu ding’ is a rebus for ‘jiu ding’ or ‘ever tranquil,’ in Chinese and thus carries an added layer of meaning in the popular consciousness. Since the beginning of the Zhou dynasty, ding vessels have served as symbols of political power and prestige. The self-reflexive iconography of this bottle demonstrates the lasting importance of ancient ritual vessels throughout Chinese history, through the Qing and beyond. The bottle is very well hollowed and accompanied by a jadeite stopper.